Egypt opens Rafah crossing for pilgrims

Cairo, Aug 30 (IANS) The Egyptian authorities on Tuesday reopened the Rafah border crossing between the African country and Gaza Strip to allow Muslim pilgrims to pass to Mecca.

The crossing will remain open until Thursday for those who have obtained a Saudi visa for this year's Haj pilgrimage, Efe news reported.

Buses will run from Gaza Strip to Cairo Airport, where pilgrims will be transferred directly without staying in Egypt, and from there they will fly to Riyadh.

It was the first time since July that the border with Gaza was opened, the only way out of the coastal enclave which has been under Israeli blockade since 2007.