EGYPT-OPT: Gazans stranded at Rafah border, North Sinai towns

[barb162]

EGYPT-OPT: Gazans stranded at Rafah border, North Sinai towns

CAIRO, 24 June 2007 (IRIN) - Up to 2,500 residents of the Gaza Strip are stranded on the Egyptian side of the border crossing at Rafah and in the towns of el-Arish and Rafah in the North Sinai governorate, aid agencies say.

The border area between Egypt and the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), which has been sealed off to media and tourists following an escalation in violence in Gaza, is continuing to host Palestinians unable either to cross to their home territory or return to Cairo. Many of the travellers are attempting to return following medical treatment in the Egyptian capital.

Rula Khalafawi, spokeswoman for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in Cairo, said that around 1,000 people are stranded at the border checkpoint itself, without means to afford accommodation in the nearby towns of Rafah or el-Arish.

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While the humanitarian situation of Palestinians waiting to travel to Gaza remains unclear, UNRWA has stated that it may soon issue a direct request to the Egyptian Red Crescent, its local partner, to provide shelter and other assistance to stranded Gazans.
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http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=72901

[LeftishBrit]

1. Egypt should help (not that I expected that much of them..)

But they are always regarded as pro-Palestinian - humph.

Come on, Egyptian Red Crescent, now is the time to be humanitarian.