Other Arab nations have condemned Cairo for blocking the Rafah crossing, in particular during the Israel-Gaza war last year.

VOA: standard.2010.06.01

President Hosni Mubarak ordered security at the Rafah border crossing to allow aid to enter Gaza, and to let Gazans in need of medical treatment to leave.

VOA: standard.2010.06.01

Mr Marzuka said Egypt's contact with Palestinians in Gaza should be through the Rafah crossing.

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The Rafah crossing has been closed since 2007, although special medical cases are occasionally allowed through.

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Correction 7 January 2013: This story has been amended to clarify the reference to Egypt's closure of the Rafah crossing.

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