Israel closed Rafah terminal linking Gaza and Egypt on Wednesday afternoon, only five days after agreeing to reopen it under Egyptian and US pressure, Palestinian security sources said.

The sources said the Israeli army shut down the terminal without any notice in advance.
Israel on Friday agreed to reopen the Rafah crossing after keeping it closed for 20 consecutive days citing security concerns.

About 2,500 Palestinians were stranded during the closure in the Egyptian side of the terminal, including many children, women and patients seeking treatment.

The sources added that efforts were being made to urge Israel to reopen it again.

(Xinhua News Agency August 12, 2004)