GAZA, February 28, 2011 (WAFA) - The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) Monday expressed “grave concern” over the “continued suffering” of Gaza residents stranded abroad as a result of the political conditions in Egypt, the only entry route to the Gaza Strip.

A statement issued by the Gaza-based human rights organization said thousands of Gaza residents have been stranded in various countries for more than a month due to emergency measures that prevent their entry into Egypt through Cairo airport en route to the Gaza Strip.

It said Palestinians have been denied access to Egypt since the eruption of the uprising in the north African country last month.

Rafah crossing with Egypt was closed in both directions on January 31 and Palestinians flying to Cairo airport en route to get to the Gaza Strip were denied entry into Egyptian territory.

On February 17, Rafah crossing was opened in one direction, allowing a number of Palestinians stranded in Egypt to return to Gaza, and on February 22, the crossing was reopened in both directions and hundreds of Gaza residents were permitted to travel via the crossing to leave or return to Gaza.

On the other hand, Palestinians in different countries wishing to return to Gaza via Egypt are still denied entry at Cairo airport, said the PCHR. Airlines received instructions not to transfer Palestinians wishing to return to Gaza via Egypt.

“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,” said the statement. “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.”

The PCHR called on 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 toward stranded Palestinians, and exert best efforts to ensure their immediate return.”

It also called on 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.”

M.A./F.J.