Israel's surveillance was limited to video cameras, and final authority on who may cross the border is in the hands of the PA. At a ceremony accompanying the re-opening of the crossing, PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas praised the "Shahids [martyrs], the injured [and] the prisoners."
Arabs rushed ahead of the official opening and crossed the border as early as Thursday. Pandemonium was reported at the gate complex where taxis and buses took Gaza residents from Cairo at rates almost double the normal fare. Residents also have to pay a departure tax.
The official re-opening of the border marked the first time since 1967 that Israel has no control over traffic and is unable to prevent terrorists and weapons from entering Gaza. Israel is relying on video cameras and a staff of European Union (EU) observers who have no authority over the PA. Only a skeleton staff was on hand Saturday, and said the procedures went smoothly.
The PA considers its authority at the crossing a symbol of independence as a state in the making, complete with passports. The EU reported that 1,287 people have crossed the border.
Abbas told the crowd attending the ceremony, "This is a small dream that is part of our progress on the way to an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital."
After Israel agreed to back down from demands from direct surveillance, Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz stated, "This agreement can serve as the foundation for regional cooperation."
Arabs rushed ahead of the official opening and crossed the border as early as Thursday. Pandemonium was reported at the gate complex where taxis and buses took Gaza residents from Cairo at rates almost double the normal fare. Residents also have to pay a departure tax.
The official re-opening of the border marked the first time since 1967 that Israel has no control over traffic and is unable to prevent terrorists and weapons from entering Gaza. Israel is relying on video cameras and a staff of European Union (EU) observers who have no authority over the PA. Only a skeleton staff was on hand Saturday, and said the procedures went smoothly.
The PA considers its authority at the crossing a symbol of independence as a state in the making, complete with passports. The EU reported that 1,287 people have crossed the border.
Abbas told the crowd attending the ceremony, "This is a small dream that is part of our progress on the way to an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital."
After Israel agreed to back down from demands from direct surveillance, Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz stated, "This agreement can serve as the foundation for regional cooperation."