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Israel reopens Gaza's Rafah crossing on a trial basis

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Gaza - The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip was reopened on Sunday after almost a year, though restrictions still apply.


Movement of people is only set to be allowed from Monday amid ongoing discussions over security and operational procedures.


Egyptian security sources said Israel has not yet reopenedthe Palestinian side of the crossing. The Israeli military retains control of the border following October's ceasefire, which came aftermore than two years of war.


Opening the crossing for the movement of people has been postponed to Monday, the sources said, meaning no Palestinians will be able toleave Gaza on Sunday, with the trial run intended to test operations.


Some 150 people were set to be authorized to exit the Gaza Strip daily from Monday, while some 50 are to be allowed to return to the war-torn Palestinian territory, according to estimates.


Only the roughly 42,000 Palestinians who left the strip during the war between Israel and Hamas will be allowed to enter Gaza via the crossing.


According to the health authority in the Gaza Strip, around 20,000 sick Palestinians are currently waiting to leave the territory fortreatment in Egypt. Among them are 440 acute cases where thepatients' survival is at stake.


Around 4,000 cancer patients and 4,500 children are also on anemergency list.


Entry and exit to and from Gaza are to be authorized in cooperation with Egypt and following security clearance by Israel and screening by a European Union mission.


Up until now, only limited humanitarian aid has been allowed to enterthe largely destroyed Palestinian territory via the border crossingswith Israel.



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