Israel allows group to leave Gaza

By Aleem Maqbool
BBC News, Ramallah

Movement has been restricted since Hamas seized control in June

Israel has let about 250 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip travel to Egypt.

The group, many of whom work or study abroad, left Gaza by bus on Sunday morning and then were driven to the Israeli-Egyptian border.

They, like thousands who want to leave Gaza, have been prevented from doing so for several months, as Israel looks to put pressure on the ruling Hamas party.

Israel continues to impose strict sanctions on the territory, including drastic restrictions on fuel supplies.

Most of those allowed to leave either study or work abroad, but have been trapped in Gaza since June.

Then, citing security concerns following the takeover of the territory by Hamas, Israel closed Gaza's goods crossings, and imposed very tight restrictions on people entering or leaving.

Several thousand people needing to get out of Gaza have registered with the Israeli authorities.

They include medical patients, some of whom have died in recent weeks, waiting for treatment only available outside the territory.

The Israeli government says it does recognise the humanitarian problem, and is working on a solution.

The fact that a group has now been allowed to leave will offer those still waiting some hope.