Cairo, October 6 (BDNEWS)- The Egyptian army has started building a border crossing at the junction of the Egyptian, Israeli and Gaza borders, a security official said.
The crossing is opposite Israel's new Kerem Shalom crossing. The official speaking yesterday, on condition of anonymity, said the building and its facilities will be completed in 90 days.
Right now the site is empty, in contrast to Kerem Shalom across the border. Initially, Egypt intends to use the crossing for commercial trucks delivering goods to Gaza and Israel, according to wire services.
It will discuss other issues, such as the passage of people, later. Currently, commercial drivers use the Al-Awga crossing about 100 kilometres away.
People wanting to pass between Egypt and Gaza used to use the Rafah border crossing, but Israel closed that when it pulled out of the Gaza Strip last month.
Israel also added that it would be closed for six months to allow for new security and customs arrangements.
Israeli defence officials said, Palestinians would soon be able to use the Kerem Shalom border crossing.
But Palestinians insist on free access in and out of Gaza through Rafah, with no Israeli presence, and object to the Kerem Shalom option.
BDNEWS/1252hrs
