Israel to allow 627 to cross into Gaza

Israel has agreed to allow at least 627 Palestinians who have been stranded in Egypt for weeks to pass into the Gaza Strip, Palestinian officials said.

Some of the 6,000 Palestinians who have been waiting in harsh conditions in the Egyptian border town of Rafah will be allowed to pass through Israel and into Gaza, starting today, said Palestinian Information Minister Riyad Maliki.

Israel has approved 627 Palestinians to cross, said a Palestinian security coordinator stationed on the Egyptian side of Rafah. He said 100 would cross today and the rest Monday.

Those remaining have been asked to return to Cairo to register with the Palestinian Embassy so their names can be given to the Israelis for approval, he said.