RAFAH - Hundreds of Palestinians travelled into and out of the Gaza Strip on Thursday after Egypt opened its Rafah crossing for travel and humanitarian aid for the third consecutive day. The opening took place in the wake of a deadly Israeli assault on a flotilla of aid ships that had sought to break a blockade on the coastal territory that was tightened after the Islamist movement took over in 2007. "Rafah crossing is open for the third consecutive day in all directions," Hamas border official Bashir Abu al-Najaa said in a statement. The terminal is the only way in and out of Gaza that is not controlled by Israel. Priority would be given to the sick and to pre-registered travellers, as well as those holding a visa or residency permits from elsewhere, he said. Hamas and Egyptian border authorities said five busloads of travellers, or around 400 people, had entered Egypt by mid-afternoon with another 400 people expected to depart by the end of the day. Hamas said more than 450 people had entered Gaza, while an Egyptian border official put the count at 200. "The crossing authority will work to facilitate the travel of any citizen who wishes to without any limitations," Abu al-Najaa said. "The Rafah crossing will remain open on a permanent basis in order to ease the unjust blockade on the Palestinian people."
