Control of Gaza Strip’s border with Egypt handed to Palestinian Authority
Rafah — Hamas handed over control of the Gaza Strip’s border with Egypt to the Palestinian Authority on Wednesday, an AFP journalist said, in the first key test of a Palestinian reconciliation accord agreed to in October. Nazmi Muhanna, the Palestinian Authority’s top official for border crossings, formally received control of the Rafah crossing with Egypt from his Hamas counterpart. At a separate checkpoint with Israel, an AFP photographer also saw Hamas installations being dismantled. At the Rafah crossing, Palestinian and Egyptian flags were flying, with large pictures of Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Hisham Adwan, director of information at the Hamas crossings authority, said Palestinian Authority employees would resume full control of the border. Under the Egyptian-brokered deal, the Palestinian Authority is due to take full control of Gaza by December 1. The checkpoints had been due to be handed over by November 1 and w...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.