Egyptian authorities have decided to open the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip. The border will be open daily from 9am to 5pm except on Fridays and national holidays. The step came in the framework of Egypt's efforts to end the Palestinian division and implement Palestinian reconciliation. Egypt will be committed to the mechanisms, implemented before 2007, starting Saturday, May 28. These mechanisms exempt the following from obtaining visas: - All Palestinian women; - Males less than 18 years and more than 40 years; - Those who are coming for study in the Egyptian universities; - Those who are coming for medical treatment; - Sons whose parents are exempt from obtaining visas; - Palestinian families who are passing from and to the Gaza strip. The Palestinians who pass the boarders should carry their Palestinian passports and documents which prove their stay in the countries from which they come. The Palestinian embassy should transfer the Palestinian citizens who don't meet the mentioned conditions to the Gaza Strip. Palestinians who came from Libya should obtain an entry visa before entering the Egyptian territories. Hamas welcomed Egypt's decision in a statement, saying Hamas “welcomes and appreciates the Egyptian decision to permanently open the Rafah border crossing. The decision reflects the spirit of the [Egyptian] revolution and confirms the cordial relations which gather the two peoples especially that the Egyptian people restored its role towards the Palestinian issue." Hamas added that "Egypt's initiative aims at dissolving blockade imposed on the Gaza strip so it's courageous decision which reflects Egypt's important role in the issue."
