Egyptian troops allowed elated Palestinians to flood across the border from Gaza for a second day Tuesday, deepening concerns over when Egypt would impose control over a crossing that Israel fears will be used to bring weapons to Palestinian terrorists.
Gazans, long barred by Israeli border guards from entering Egypt, went on a shopping spree in Egyptian towns, hauling home suitcases and boxes full of cheap cigarettes, food, fish and other goods.
Others searched out relatives they have not seen for years in Rafah, which is divided in two by the border. Some Gazans went as far as el-Arish, 24 miles west of Rafah, and were seen dining at seaside restaurants in the Mediterranean town.
Shopper changes Israeli money for Egypt's currrency (Photo: AP)
Israeli forces withdrew from the border early Monday as they ended their 38-year occupation of the Gaza Strip. Under a deal with Israel, Egypt has deployed hundreds of troops to guard the border and prevent smuggling into Gaza.
Zalman Shoval, an adviser to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, said Egypt's failure to stop the border crossings was a cause of concern.
Greeting relatives on the other side (Photo: AP)
"One would like to hope that what happened there was just a one-time failure by the Egyptian troops to do what is expected of them. But if this continues Israel will have to ask the multinational force (in the Sinai) to be a great deal more active in supervising the Egyptian compliance in the commitment it made with Israel," he said.
"The great danger is that both people and arms could be smuggled under the unwatchful eyes of the Egyptians - that was the whole purpose of coming to this agreement," Shoval said.
Qureia: PA will rebuild area
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority warned Gaza residents not to approach the border with Egypt in Rafah.
Tawfiq Abu Houssa, spokesman for the Palestinian Interior Ministry, said the PA would act against anyone who attempts to come near the border, as it endangers Palestinian national security.
On Monday a Palestinian man was shot dead on the Egyptian - Gaza border, after Egyptian border troops opened fire on Palestinian crowds who were attempting to infiltrate Egypt.
The Palestinian was shot in the neck after trying to cross the fence and get into Egypt.
Also on Monday, a Palestinian youth was seriously injured by IDF fire near the Erez border crossing after he attempted to approach the security fence in the area.
IDF sources said the soldiers present fired warning shots at Palestinian youths that crossed the fence and approached the wall protecting Nativ Haasara.
Israeli and Palestinian officers are expected to meet to discuss issues related to the Palestinian operations along the new border and the Palestinians’ request that IDF soldiers will not endanger the lives of farmers and residents in the area.
The officers are also set to discuss the security fence near Nativ Haasara following Monday’s incident.
The number of Palestinians visiting the destroyed former settlements in Gaza has decreased, as did the equipment the Palestinians managed to salvage from the deserted settlements.
Earlier PA Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia toured the settlements; he said the PA would do everything in its power to rebuild the area.
Abbas is expected to speak before thousands of Palestinians in Gaza. He is set to talk of the need to eradicate the anarchy regarding the possession of weapons and prove to the world that the Palestinians do not support violence or destruction.