Egypt opens crossing to Gaza for three days

As buses and taxis begin crossing into Egypt, hundreds are pouring into waiting areas for a chance to leave Gaza.

Egypt is opening the Rafah Crossing Saturday for three days.

The loosening of border restrictions will apply to travelers seeking medical treatment, foreigners, students and humanitarian cases.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) DIRECTOR GENERAL OF GAZA CROSSING MAHER ABU SABHA SAYING:

"The crossing was opened today. I hope that all the people will travel. It is good will from the Egyptian side to solve a problem for the people who are stuck in Gaza. We demand the crossing be fully opened in order to end the problem."

The move comes days after the outgoing head of the U.N. agency that aids Palestinian refugees urged Israel and Egypt to lift border restrictions with Gaza.

Access into Egypt for Gaza's 1.8 million residents has been restricted since July.

One traveler says she has a very personal reason for crossing.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) TASNE