Ref: 7/2011

The
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) expresses grave concern over the
continued suffering of thousands of Gazans who have been stranded in various
countries abroad for more than one month due to emergency measures that prevent
their entry onto Egyptian territory through Cairo Airport, currently the only
available route for return to Gaza.

According
to PCHR information, Palestinians have been denied access to Egypt since the
eruption of the uprising in Egypt. On 30 January 2011, Rafah International
Crossing Point was closed in both directions and Palestinians flying to Cairo
Airport were denied access to Egyptian territory. On 17 February 2011, Rafah
crossing was opened in one direction, allowing Palestinians stranded in Egypt
to return to Gaza. On 22 February 2011, the crossing was reopened in both
directions and hundreds of Gazans permitted to travel via the crossing managed
to leave or return to Gaza. On the other hand, Palestinians in different
countries of the world wishing to return to Gaza via Egypt are still denied
access to Cairo Airport. Airlines received instructions not to transfer Palestinians
wishing to return to Gaza via Egypt to Cairo Airport. This has resulted in the
suffering of thousands of Palestinians, including dozens of families who
travelled abroad and who urgently need to return to Gaza so their children can
attend school. Other travelers denied return are patients who underwent surgery
or received treatment abroad as well as employees and workers who are in danger
of losing their positions of employment.

In
view of the above, PCHR:

1. Calls upon
President Mahmoud Abbas to intervene promptly and take serious action in order
to put an end to the hardship facing Palestinians unable to return to Gaza,
instruct Palestinian embassies abroad to assume their responsibilities towards
stranded Palestinians, and exert best efforts to ensure their immediate return.

2. Calls upon the
Egyptian government to permit the return of Palestinians to Gaza as soon as
possible, facilitate their return to Gaza via Egypt and allow freedom of
movement of Palestinians travelling to and from the Gaza Strip, especially
through Rafah crossing and Cairo International Airport.