Every day except Fridays and national holidays, the border was opened at 09.00 until 17.00 local time. Freedom across borders is also applied to Palestinian students to show proof of affiliation with educational institutions in Egypt.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil al-Arabi, as reported by Arab American say opening the border is to end what he described as "shameful cooperation" if the area remains blockaded.
Meanwhile, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Silvan Shalom stated policy of the Egyptian authorities opened the border to be used by terrorists to smuggle weapons. Meanwhile, Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas welcomed the decision by the Egyptian government. Negotiator Saeb Erakat said it was one step to loosen the siege on the Gaza Strip.
Most of the border was closed since June 2006. At the time Israel imposed a tight blockade on Gaza after militants abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who is still detained. The blockade was tightened a year later when Hamas took control of the territory, they drive out forces loyal to Western-backed PA.
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