There have been several attempts, some successful, to break the blockade on the Gaza Strip [GALLO/GETTY] (source)
Egypt will permanently open its Rafah border crossing starting from Saturday, the country's official news agency reported, easing a four-year blockade on the Gaza Strip.
The news agency MENA said on Wednesday that Egypt's new military rulers set the date for the opening of the crossing as part of efforts "to end the status of the Palestinian division and achieve national reconciliation".
It said the Rafah border crossing would be opened permanently starting on Saturday from 9am to 9pm every day except Fridays and holidays.
"Sources in national security told Al Jazeera that the military intended to open up the border," our correspondent Ayman Mohyeldin, reporting from the capital, Cairo, said.
"A senior member of Hamas visiting Egypt has also confirmed that they have been notified that military will open the border," he said.
Al Jazeera's Nicole Johnston, reporting from Gaza, said, "It comes with no surprise, people of Gaza and Egypt have been waiting for the news for the last few weeks."
However, it will not be a full opening as there will be some conditions on exit. (FOR THE FULL ARTICLE, CLICK HERE)
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