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Last batch of stranded Palestinians returns to Gaza
 EL ARISH, Egypt - About 400 Palestinians, the last of thousands seeking to return home after being stranded in Egypt, crossed back into Gaza on Thursday, an Egyptian security source said. More than 6,000 Palestinians had been stuck in Egypt after Israel closed the main Rafah crossing point to Gaza in June. Many had been living in concrete shelters or low-budget hotels in northern Sinai as their money dwindled.
| "... and we'll leave the light off for ya." |
The last batch of about 400 crossed back into Gaza through the Awja border crossing south of Rafah, more than a week after Egypt began moving them out of Sinai, the source said.
Clashes broke out last month between Egyptian police and Palestinians detained at El Arish airport in northern Sinai. The Palestinians had tried to break free after complaining of dwindling funds and lack of food and medical supplies. Egypt sent hundreds of additional police to reinforce its border last month in case Palestinian militants tried to storm it. Palestinian demonstrators in El Arish had demanded it reopen.
| They didn't do anything, however, to help make things work. Wouldn't be, you know, Paleostainian of them. |
While the stranded Palestinians included some holidaymakers, most were Gazans who had sought medical treatment abroad and could not return after Israel closed the Rafah crossing in June.
| Maybe the polyclinic in Mauritania is a better deal right now. Just sayin'. |
Posted by: Steve White 2007-08-10 |
