Egypt will open the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the southern Gaza Strip for two consecutive days on 15 and 16 September Egyptian security sources said Tuesday.

The source explained that the crossing for patients, foreign visa holders, and students would be able to leave the Gaza Strip to Egypt, while all Gazans stranded at the Egyptian side of the terminal will be able to return to Gaza. Egyptian authorities said they would consider keeping the crossing open for an additional day or two so all those eligible to cross would be able to do so.

The Rafah crossing was open before the fasting month of Ramadan began in order to allow Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to leave to Mecca. More than 1,250 pilgrims have returned to Gaza so far.