— Erez (Palestinian Territories) (AFP)
Israel on Thursday allowed thousands of Palestinian workers to cross from Gaza for the first time in two weeks through the Erez crossing, following violent protests that rocked the blockaded enclave.
The Israeli authorities had initially closed off the transit route, the only gateway for pedestrians from the Gaza Strip, for the Jewish new year holiday on September 15.
After extending the closure citing security reasons amid deadly protests, they announced on Wednesday evening that the crossing would be reopened for workers on Thursday, with thousands seen lining up in the morning.
An AFP correspondent saw crowds of Palestinians waiting at the terminal from the early hours, including many who had spent the night at the complex.
