CAIRO, September 20 (RIA Novosti) - Egyptian authorities temporary reopened the Rafah border crossing with Gaza on Saturday, the MENA news agency reported.
The crossing will be opened for two full days to allow approximately 650 Palestinian pilgrims to travel to Islam's holiest cities of Mecca and Medina. University students, patients seeking treatment abroad and holders of foreign passports will also be able to leave the Palestinian enclave.
According to Egypt's migration officials, a total of 3,000 people have applied for permission to cross the border.
Egypt and Israel closed the border crossings after the Islamist movement Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip in July 2007. The blockade has led to a deterioration in the humanitarian situation in the region. The crossing was last opened on August 30-31.
