Open The Rafah Crossing

Open The Rafah Crossing
by Lubna Masarwa

Thousands of Palestinians are currently stranded at the Cairo airport, and other airports around the world, as a result of the last decision taken by the deposed government of Mubarak. On 8 February the Rafah Crossing was closed until further notice, and Palestinians banned from entering Egypt.

In the open letter below, we call on the Egyptian authorities to OPEN THE RAFAH CROSSING, and ask citizens of all countries to contact their local Egyptian Embassy and do the same.

Dear Ambassador

The untenable situation for the hundreds of Palestinian men, women and children in Egypt who have been trapped at Cairo airport since 25 January 2011, the beginning of the Egyptian Revolution, is getting worse each day. Most people don't have money for food or medicine. Some have been on a hunger strike for days. The vulnerable are getting sicker and some are in urgent need of medical treatment. There are even more Palestinians waiting elsewhere in Egypt to cross into Gaza, not to mention those waiting in other countries.

It has come to our knowledge that on 8 February 2011 the deposed government issued new travel regulations with regard to Palestinians, effective immediately and until further notice. The following categories of passengers are NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER EGYPT, even if they are holding visa or security approval or resident permit:

- Holders of Palestinian Passports.
- Holders of Jordanian Passports without national number.
- Travel documents for Palestinian issued by Egypt.

This is unacceptable. All the Palestinians at the airport and those using the Rafah Crossing, the only exit Gaza has to the external world, are civilians. Under the Geneva Conventions they are entitled to freedom of movement, and protection from collective punishment.

The great sacrifices of the Egyptian people were for human rights and democracy. These demands are supported by all freedom loving people, who also oppose the suppression of Palestinians by Israel. It is time for the new rulers of Egypt to annul the decision taken by the previous government and open the Rafah Crossing immediately so that people and goods can pass.

OPEN THE RAFAH CROSSING NOW.

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