Adel Abdilrazeq, the vice president of the Tourist Department at the Egyptian Tourist Chambers said on Tuesday that there is an initial Egyptian approval to exchange tours between Egypt and Gaza.

According to media sources, Abdilrazeq noted, the issue is still waiting for final security approval.

He added that the discussions also include “organizing Egyptian tours to Jerusalem.” Furthermore, he added that the trade chambers will discuss the issue of trade between Gaza and Egypt.

Osama Kuhail, the head of trade champers in Gaza has revealed that Palestinian and Egyptian trade representatives have agreed to form joint committees to discuss trade issues of interest to both parties.

The Egyptian authorities have recently adopted a new policy towards Gaza which includes lifting some of the restrictions imposed on the besieged territory and opening the Rafah crossing for longer periods.

Some analysts believe that this policy has to do with Egypt’s dissatisfaction with Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas over his refusal to reconcile with former Fatah strongman Mohammed Dahalan.

This week, the Egyptian authorities decided to open the Rafah Crossing from Monday to Friday to allow thousands of Palestinians out of Gaza, including students studying in Egypt and abroad.

(PC, SAMA NEWS)