Description

by Chris Carlson - 1 of International Middle East Media Center Editorial Group

Egyptian Authorities continue the closure of Rafah crossing to Palestinian travelers, for the third week in a row, according to borders and crossings administration in Gaza.

Hundreds of Palestinians, including students and medical patients, have been stuck at both sides of the closed crossing.

Egypt opens the Rafah crossing once a week for Umra pilgrims, while the humanitarian cases are still shouting for help.

The Rafah crossing has been the principal connection between Gaza's 1.8 million residents and the outside world since the imposition of an economic blockade by Israel, beginning in 2007.

Egypt has frequently closed the terminal since the July Egyptian coup. Hundreds of tunnels that Gazans used for years to import fuel, building materials, and other goods have also been destroyed.