Opening the Palestinian secure passage

The southern secure passage between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank was opened today following a delay of one month from the date specified in the Sharm El-Sheikh agreement, after disputes took place between the Palestinians and Israelis regarding means of running this passage.

Zeyad El-Ayed, the Palestinian manager of the passage, stated that the Palestinian government had completed all preparations to open the passage today.

He added, "Between 1,000 and 1,200 Palestinian citizens are expected to cross the passage," adding that the passage will be open no less than 10 hours daily.

He denied that the secure passage would become a trap to arrest Palestinians who are wanted by Israeli forces, saying that, "All this is rejected and we will not allow it under any circumstances."