Gaza-Egypt border reopens

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2006

GAZA CITY (AFP) — The border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt reopened when European Union observers returned to their posts, a day after withdrawing over a wave of kidnappings, Palestinian officials said.

The Palestinian Authority had assured the observers about their security, and reinforcements had been posted in the area, said a senior official with responsiblity for the Rafah crossing.

The border was closed on Tuesday afternoon after a series of kidnappings of foreigners which followed a controversial Israeli raid on a prison in the West Bank town of Jericho.

Most of the hostages were later freed, but three are still being held.

© 2006 AFP