Hamas says Egypt briefly opens Gaza border crossing
For first time this year, several hundred people are expected to cross in coming days
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The Islamic terrorist group Hamas that rules the Gaza Strip said Saturday Egypt has opened its border with the territory for the first time this year.
Hamas said that the Rafah crossing will be open for two days. A few hundred people are expected to be able to pass through during that time.
Egypt and Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza in 2007, after Hamas seized the territory from forces loyal to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Egypt only opens the border intermittently. Humanitarian aid and some goods enter Gaza from the Israel side.
Israel says the blockade is needed to prevent Hamas from importing weapons and other supplies that could be used for military purposes. Critics say it amounts to collective punishment of Gaza’s 1.8 million residents.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.
The Times of Israel Community.