Hamas spokesmen said Saturday that Egyptian officials would allow 2,000 residents of Gaza to return to the area via the Rafiah crossing on the Egyptian border. Previously, the authorities insisted that the group return via the Kerem Shalom crossing in the Negev, which is controlled by Israel.
Hamas said that Egypt had allowed old and sick travelers, most of whom had taken part in the pilgrimage to Mecca, to enter Gaza through Rafiah. Egypt is expected to allow the rest of the travelers to do the same in the near future, the group said. Security officials suspect that several of the travelers are senior Hamas terrorists, while others may be trying to smuggle money for the group.