Egypt opens Rafah crossing with Gaza for first time in months

Egypt Tuesday re-opened for the first time in months Rafah, the only exit point for Palestinians in the enclaved territory of Gaza, closed since March owing to covid-19 pandemic.

The border crossing will remain open for three days, according to the Interior Ministry.

“Egyptian authorities opened the crossing exceptionally after a five-month closure.”

Gaza residents holding foreign passports and those seeking medical treatment abroad will be allowed to travel through the crossing. Some 500 Gazans have been identified to cross Rafah.

The interior ministry is also prepared for the reception of the Palestinians returning to Gaza from abroad.

Upon return, travelers must quarantine for 21 days in a specified location, which has been prepared by authorities, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) reports.

The enclave sealed by Israel and Egypt has reported 81 cases of coronavirus, with only one death.