Egypt eases restrictions at Gaza's Rafah border
The blockade has caused great hardship for Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip Egypt has opened its border with Gaza, easing restrictions and allowing more Palestinians to cross.
Women, children and men over 40 are now allowed to cross freely. Men aged between 18 and 40 will still require a permit, and trade is prohibited.
Egypt and Israel have blockaded the Gaza Strip since the militant Hamas movement took power there in 2007.
Israel fears weapons will be imported into Gaza, but Egypt insists it will conduct thorough searches.
The BBC's Jon Donnison, in Gaza, says the decision to ease the border controls is symbolically important.
It is another sign that the new leadership in Egypt, where President Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February, is shifting the dynamics of the Middle East.
Israel has criticised the border move, saying it raised security concerns.
But with elections coming up in Egypt, our correspondent says the change in policy is likely to be popular with a public sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
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Ali Nahallah Gaza residentWe feel that we live in a big jail in Gaza so now we feel a little bit more comfortable”
Although the border will still be closed for trade, the opening of the Rafah crossing is expected to provide a major economic boost to Gaza.
Previously, only about 300 Palestinians were allowed out every day.
Gaza resident Ali Nahallah told the BBC the changes would be welcome.
"Of course this is our only entry point from Gaza to the external world," he said.
"We feel that we live in a big jail in Gaza so now we feel a little bit more comfortable and life is easier now. My kids are willing to travel to see other places other than Gaza."
The latest move comes a month after Egypt pushed through a unity deal between the two main Palestinian factions - Fatah and Hamas - something Israel also opposed.
Fatah runs the West Bank, while Hamas governs Gaza.
Analysts say that with elections looming in Egypt the new policy is likely be popular with a public largely sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
Egypt's co-operation in blockading Gaza was one of President Mubarak's most unpopular policies.
Egypt says the crossing will be open from 0900 to 2100 every day except Fridays and holidays.
Last year, Israel eased restrictions on goods entering Gaza, but severe shortages in the territory remain.
In 2010, the International Committee of the Red Cross said the blockade was a clear violation of international humanitarian law.
Hundreds of smuggling tunnels run under the Egyptian border with Gaza.
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