Special to WorldTribune.com

GAZA CITY — Palestinians have launched violent protests in their attempt to enter Egypt from the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian sources said Gazan travelers were using force to enter Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. They said thousands have protested Egyptian restrictions on the Rafah Border Terminal, and at times have stormed the facility.

“There are serious repercussions to the continued closure of Rafah,” Hamas Interior Undersecretary Kamel Abu Mahdi said.

On Sept. 29, hundreds of Palestinians rushed the gate of the Egyptian border with the Gaza Strip. The Palestinians, angered over Egyptian restrictions on the border terminal, were blocked by troops of the Hamas
regime in the Gaza Strip. The terminal has been open for no more than four hours per day, enabling the processing of several hundred travelers.

“There are 5,000 Palestinians who have been waiting to enter Egypt,” the Hamas Interior Ministry said.

The ministry said about 90 percent of the stranded Gazans were
university students and medical patients. On Sept. 29, the ministry reported
200 travelers through Rafah.

Officials said Egypt has stopped numerous Palestinians, including Hamas
officials from leaving the Gaza Strip. They said the restrictions were part
of an Egyptian crackdown on Hamas, blamed for aiding the Al Qaida-aligned
revolt in Sinai.

Palestinians have also complained of Hamas restrictions on travel to
Egypt. They cited Hamas detention of young Gazans invited to study in
universities in Alexandria and Cairo.

  Gaza Strip, Kamel Abu Mahdi, Palestinians using force to enter closed Sinai border terminal, Rafah Border Terminal