More than 3000 Palestinians returning to Gaza from their annual Hajj, or Pilgrimage, to Mecca, have been stranded on the Egyptian side of the border, due to their refusal to pass through the Israeli-controlled Aouja Crossing, where they can be searched for cash and weapons seeking illegal entry. They have requested to enter the Palestinian Territory via the Rafah Crossing, but since European Monitors abruptly abandoned their posts in June, after Hamas took control of Gaza, there is no means of interdicting bulk-cash smuggling (which is a violation of Palestinian Anti-money Laundering laws) to Hamas, a global terrorist organisation designated by OFAC on 24 January, 1995. Israel also fears that suicide bombers, wanted criminals, and major terrorist leaders will use this opportunity to covertly enter Gaza.

The facts and opinions stated in this article are those of the author and not those of World-Check. World-Check does not warrant the accuracy of any facts and opinions stated in this article, does not endorse them, and accepts no responsibility for them.