(VOVworld) – Egypt opened its Rafah border gate on Thursday to receive pilgrims from the families of Palestinian martyrs traveling to Saudi Arabia, the Egyptian MENA news agency reported.

Egypt periodically opens Rafah crossing for three day intervals to allow the passage of Gazans in need of medical care (Photo: AFP)

Some 500 people from the families of Palestinians who lost their lives in the Gaza war are performing the Hajj, an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. Vehicles have been provided to take the pilgrims to Cairo International Airport. The last time the border was opened was in August 2015, allowing some 6,300 people to cross the border.