Only 150 allowed through Rafah crossing as Hamas blames Egypt for restrictions

GAZA — Days after Egypt, with great fanfare, opened its border permanently with Gaza, new restrictions have been imposed on Palestinians who want to cross, and the area’s Hamas rulers spoke on Wednesday with frustration and anger.

Only three buses, carrying a total of 150 passengers, entered the Egyptian hall at the Rafah crossing point on Wednesday, while five others remained stuck on the Palestinian side, Hamas officials said two hours before closing.

“Since Tuesday, we are witnessing complications that we cannot understand,” said Salama Baraka, director of the crossing, who blamed “the Egyptian side for the nearly paralyzed movement of travelers.”

Local reports said that Hamas was considering shutting the border in protest. more

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