Al-Arish, Egypt - Egypt opened its border with the Gaza Strip for two days Tuesday after an agreement between the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel, security sources said.

The Rafah crossing was opened at 9:30 am and will be closed on Thursday, the sources said.

Among those who crossed the border were a group of Palestinian students and others with Egyptian residence permits, who have been stranded on the border.

Hundreds are expected to cross the border, including ill people seeking medical treatment outside the Gaza Strip.

Hamas wants a permanent reopening of the border as part of the Gaza truce agreement with Israel.

In May, Egypt exceptionally allowed sick Palestinians entry to receive treatment there. The border was reopened on June
18 for Palestinians to return home after receiving treatment.

Thousands of Palestinians breached the Rafah border in January after months of an Israel blockade of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.

The blockade, coming in response to rocket attacks fired from the territory, deprived Palestinians of basic commodities, such as food, medicine and fuel. (dpa)