Egypt plans to temporarily re-open the Rafiah border next week to allow Gaza Muslims to make the annual pilgrimage to Mecca towards the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The government's official news agency said Egypt will open the border as a "gesture [that] reflects Egypt's keenness on providing a pleasant atmosphere for their besieged Palestinian brethren and creating a favorable climate for the restart of Palestinian national dialogue."
Israeli military officials fear that opening the crossing will allow terrorists to cross back and forth from Gaza and Egypt.