1200 Palestinian Pilgrims from Gaza Stranded in Jordan Due to Egyptian Entry Conditions

1200 Gazan pilgrims stranded in Jordan due to border dispute

Date: 28 / 12 / 2007 Time: 11:18

Gaza – Ma'an –

1200 Muslim pilgrims from the Gaza Strip are stranded at the Jordanian Red Sea port of Aqaba because Egyptian Authorities are demanding that they agree to reenter the Gaza Strip through the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, instead of the Palestinian-controlled Rafah crossing, through which they left.

Earlier in December the Hamas-led government of the Gaza Strip secured the passage of the Palestinian pilgrims for the Hajj to Mecca, a ritual which all Muslims must complete at least once if they can afford the journey.

Among the stranded pilgrims are dozens of officials affiliated with Hamas and other political factions, who will not be allowed through an Israeli-controlled checkpoint.

Earlier this week, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni accused Egypt of aiding smugglers who allegedly move weapons and people into the Gaza Strip. Israeli officials took particular exception to an apparent deal between the Hamas government and Egypt to allow the pilgrims through Rafah crossing.

On Thursday Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak accused Israel of fabricating a video tape that allegedly shows the smugglers at work.

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