Egyptian authorities opened the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip at 9am today for the first time in four years. Egypt has established new measures to allow Palestinians to enter Egyptian territory without entry visas. Authorities intensified the presence of the ambulances and doctors working in the area. The number of people who crossed the border today was low. The numbers are attributed to Hamas regulations requiring those who wished to cross the border to be pre-registered. The travelers expressed their happiness at new measures agreed upon by the Egyptian and Palestinian governments to ease the pressure on those traveling across the border. They also expressed their appreciation for the Egyptian government. Salama Barakat, the police director of borders and crossings, said the new mechanisms will implemented as of today, May 28. Barkat said, "We will work for ensuring regular workflow and keeping the safety of travelers. The workers will exert efforts to allow travelers completing their travels and not impeding anyone." Ahmed Abu-Gehada, who crossed the border today, said the authorities allowed only those who had already registered through the internet to pass through the border today. He thanked Egypt and expressed his hope that Egypt will permanently open the border, and also demanded that trade be allowed to move through the crossing as well. Om Raef, who crossed into Egypt for medical treatment, said she passed through easily without a visa. She called for the border procedures to be quick, because Rafah is the only crossing not controlled by Israel. She praised the decision to allow those requiring medical treatment to pass through without visas. Yehia Moussa, a leader in Hamas, said the Palestinian people are still waiting on Egyptian steps to dissolve blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip. He said, "We are waiting to see how the work will be in the crossing. We are optimistic of the recent positive steps but we are looking forward to seeing serious steps on the ground without returning the travelers or creating banning lists." Moussa said opening the borders will achieve the interests of both the Egyptian and Palestinian peoples as well as harming only the Israeli interests. He added, "It is the suitable time for Egypt's revolution to restore Egypt's role in the Gaza Strip. We are protecting this gate from any Israeli penetration of Egypt." Mahmoud Ayash, another Palestinian who crossed the border, said it is the first time he has left Gaza without a visa. Egypt has allowed Palestinian men over 40 years of age to enter the Egyptian territories directly without visas. He criticized the old mechanism which deprived thousands from free transferring and education. North Sinai Governor General Al-Sayed Mabrook said that the number of Palestinians who crossed the border reached 36,708 since the resignation of former president Hosni Mubarak on February 11. He said Egypt offers unprecedented facilities in this regard to contribute to dissolving the blockade imposed on Gaza. He said, "Sinai will witness an economic prosperity as a result of the decision, and the residents will benefit." Sources clarified that different managements are ready to receive more Palestinian passers and medical aid, adding that goods, trucks and materials aren't allowed to pass through the border crossing.
