GAZA CITY, Gaza, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- The disputed Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt was opened Tuesday to allow Palestinian pilgrims to travel to the holy city of Mecca.
Palestinian Communications Minister Sabry Saidam said the crossing would be opened for 24 hours only for the estimated 5,000 pilgrims wishing to pass through Egypt's Sinai Peninsula to reach Saudi Arabia and the holy city of Mecca during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
The Palestinian Authority and Israel, which pulled out from the Gaza Strip last month, disagree on how the crossing should be operated.
The Palestinians insist on placing Gaza's sole link with the outside world under joint Palestinian-Egyptian control and securing free movement of goods and people without any interference by Israel, which on its part wants goods to be channeled through the crossing of Keir Shalom on its border with Egypt.
