Talks are taking place in Cairo over the future of Egypt's border controls with Gaza in a move which could have far-reaching implications for the territory. It comes after Hamas fighters blew holes in the border fence a week ago, in order to relieve the pressure of a six-month Israeli blockade of the Strip.
Since then, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have flooded into Egypt in search of food and other basic items.
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Hamas says it wants a central role in running
the border crossing at Rafah [AFP] |
Egypt has offered to meet both Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and leaders of rival group Hamas in an effort to resolve the border dispute and discuss the future.
Hamas, which took control of Gaza last June, says it wants a central role in running the border crossing at Rafah – a development which would mark a significant shift in power.