| Submit your comments on this article |
| Israel-Palestine-Jordan |
| Palestinians storm Rafah crossing; pushed back by Egyptian security |
| 2008-07-02 |
| Gaza - Ma'an- Egyptians announced Wednesday the closure of Rafah crossing after thousands of angry Palestinians stormed the gates. Seven thousand Palestinians stormed the Rafah crossing Wednesday, and were pushed back by Egyptian security. According to Ma'an sources, none of those waiting managed to cross. The storming came after an Egyptian promise to open the crossing, in response to an appeal from Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas on his recent visit to the country. The crossing was to be opened to let approximately two hundred Palestinians stranded in Egypt back into Gaza. On Tuesday approximately 100 Palestinians were allowed to pass into Egypt from Gaza, according to Ma'an sources. Thousands of Palestinians from Gaza lined up at the border after hearing the news that the crossing would be opened on Wednesday. Sources say that the almost seven thousand Gazans waited in line all day under the hot sun. They became angry when it became clear that Egyptian officials were only going to let a few people across the border, and without any clear protocol. Border security forces lost control over the angry group which threw stones at Egyptian security members. The forces responded by hosing the group down with water and throwing a few stones. |
| Posted by:tu3031 |
| #2 After standing all day in the hot sun, I'd sure appreciate a bit of a cold shower. But I'm funny that way. |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2008-07-02 22:52 |
| #1 The Army threw rocks back at the paleos? Nice touch, gives it an authentic Palestinian flavoure. |
| Posted by: bigjim-ky 2008-07-02 09:44 |