RAFAH, Egypt: Yesterday Palestinians found the Rafah border crossing with Egypt closed, despite Egypt's recent decision to permanently reopen it. Egypt said the restoration of the gate led to its closing. Palestinians, however, staged a sit-in. Egyptian security leaders promised to open the gate after restorations. Ayob Abu Shaar, crossing police director on the Gaza side of the border, said the Egyptian authority suddenly closed the crossing and prevented passenger buses from entering Egypt. Abu Shaar said the Rafah crossing's administration tried to call authorities in Egypt, but were not given reasons for the closing. According to Abu Shaar, Egypt opened the crossing for three days, but passage remains slow on the Egyptian side of the crossing. Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in front of the gate demanding its opening. They chanted slogans of brotherhood and harmony between the two countries. The passengers, however, got angry as they waited for the crossing to open. "I came to travel this morning with my registration list, and I suddenly found the crossing closed. We don't know why, and we are frustrated," said Palestinian passenger Mohammed el-Farra. Nazeha Abdel-Ati, another Palestinian passenger, said she was angry for having to wait all morning, especially since she suffers from a disease. "We love Egypt, its people and government. So I beg them to open the crossing and not be affected by pressure from Israel and the U.S., as Egypt and Palestine are brothers, said Abdel-Ati. According to Zakeya Ali, Palestinians called for the Egyptian government and the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) to immediately open the crossing in order to fulfill their promise of facilitating the Rafah movement. Dozens of Palestinians broke into the Egyptian side of the crossing, entering into Egyptian territories. They asked for opening the crossing and lifting the Israeli siege. Egyptian security forces, however, responded to the passengers with sticks. According to the Palestinian Man News agency, communication between both sides was halted since Saturday morning. Those who were banned by security to travel through the crossing said they will file lawsuits. Banned travelers launched a campaign that aims to lift any form of injustice practiced against them by state security during the former Egyptian regime. The group called for the January 25 Revolution and the military council to lift the ban as they are not posing a threat on Egypt's security.
