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Egypt set to ease Gaza border crossing at Rafah Egypt eases restrictions at Gaza's Rafah border
(about 1 hour later)
Egypt is set to ease the restrictions at its border with Gaza, allowing more Palestinians to cross. Egypt has opened its border with Gaza, easing restrictions and allowing more Palestinians to cross.
Women and children will be allowed to cross freely, as will men aged over 40. Men aged between 18 and 40 will still require a permit. Women, children and men over 40 are now allowed to cross freely. Men aged between 18 and 40 will still require a permit, and trade is prohibited.
Egypt and Israel have blockaded the Gaza Strip since the militant Hamas movement took power there. Egypt and Israel have blockaded the Gaza Strip since the militant Hamas movement took power there in 2007.
Israel fears weapons will be imported into Gaza, but Egypt insists it will conduct thorough searches.Israel fears weapons will be imported into Gaza, but Egypt insists it will conduct thorough searches.
The easing of restrictions at the Rafah border crossing is scheduled to begin at 0900 local time (0700 GMT) on Saturday. The BBC's Jon Donnison, in Gaza, says the decision to ease the border controls is symbolically important.
Severe shortages It is another sign that the new leadership in Egypt, where President Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February, is shifting the dynamics of the Middle East.
The BBC's Jon Leyne in Cairo says the move is another sign of Egypt's changing policy towards Israel and the Palestinians since President Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February. Israel has criticised the border move, saying it raised security concerns.
But with elections coming up in Egypt, our correspondent says the change in policy is likely to be popular with a public sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
Although the border will still be closed for trade, the opening of the Rafah crossing is expected to provide a major economic boost to Gaza.Although the border will still be closed for trade, the opening of the Rafah crossing is expected to provide a major economic boost to Gaza.
Previously, only about 300 Palestinians were allowed out every day.Previously, only about 300 Palestinians were allowed out every day.
Gaza resident Ali Nahallah told the BBC the changes would be welcome.
"Of course this is our only entry point from Gaza to the external world," he said.
"We feel that we live in a big jail in Gaza so now we feel a little bit more comfortable and life is easier now. My kids are willing to travel to see other places other than Gaza."
The latest move comes a month after Egypt pushed through a unity deal between the two main Palestinian factions - Fatah and Hamas - something Israel also opposed.The latest move comes a month after Egypt pushed through a unity deal between the two main Palestinian factions - Fatah and Hamas - something Israel also opposed.
Fatah runs the West Bank, while Hamas governs Gaza.Fatah runs the West Bank, while Hamas governs Gaza.
Analysts say that with elections looming in Egypt the new policy is likely be popular with a public largely sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.Analysts say that with elections looming in Egypt the new policy is likely be popular with a public largely sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
Egypt's co-operation in blockading Gaza was one of President Mubarak's most unpopular policies.Egypt's co-operation in blockading Gaza was one of President Mubarak's most unpopular policies.
Egypt says the crossing will be open from 0900 to 2100 every day except Fridays and holidays.Egypt says the crossing will be open from 0900 to 2100 every day except Fridays and holidays.
Last year, Israel eased restrictions on goods entering Gaza, but severe shortages in the territory remain.Last year, Israel eased restrictions on goods entering Gaza, but severe shortages in the territory remain.
In 2010, the International Committee of the Red Cross said the blockade was a clear violation of international humanitarian law.In 2010, the International Committee of the Red Cross said the blockade was a clear violation of international humanitarian law.
Hundreds of smuggling tunnels run under the Egyptian border with Gaza.Hundreds of smuggling tunnels run under the Egyptian border with Gaza.
Are you in the region? Will you be affected by the easing of restrictions on the border? What impact do you think it will have? You can send us your views and experiences using the form below.Are you in the region? Will you be affected by the easing of restrictions on the border? What impact do you think it will have? You can send us your views and experiences using the form below.