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RAMALLAH, West Bank An Egyptian diplomat said Sunday his country's military leadership is considering loosening the travel restrictions on Palestinians leaving the neighboring Gaza Strip.
Such a change could mark a significant easing of a long-standing blockade of Gaza that has drawn widespread international criticism for its impact on ordinary Palestinians in the impoverished territory.
Yasser Othman, the Egyptian ambassador to the Palestinians, said Sunday no immediate changes are planned. But he said "there are calls" in Egypt to reopen the crossing, and changes will be considered when the situation stabilizes.
Col. Ayoub Abushaer, a Gaza border official, said Hamas authorities are in "daily contact" with Egyptian officials in the town of Rafah, which straddles the Gaza-Egypt border. "All Palestinians voice their hope that there will soon be significant change on travel in and out of Gaza."
Diplomat says Egypt could ease Gaza blockade - Yahoo! News
Such a change could mark a significant easing of a long-standing blockade of Gaza that has drawn widespread international criticism for its impact on ordinary Palestinians in the impoverished territory.
Yasser Othman, the Egyptian ambassador to the Palestinians, said Sunday no immediate changes are planned. But he said "there are calls" in Egypt to reopen the crossing, and changes will be considered when the situation stabilizes.
Col. Ayoub Abushaer, a Gaza border official, said Hamas authorities are in "daily contact" with Egyptian officials in the town of Rafah, which straddles the Gaza-Egypt border. "All Palestinians voice their hope that there will soon be significant change on travel in and out of Gaza."
Diplomat says Egypt could ease Gaza blockade - Yahoo! News