GAZA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, the only outlet for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to the outside world, reopened on Friday, an EU official said.

    The crossing will remain operational for two days, EU spokesman Pekka Korhola said, adding that it reopened at 8:00 a.m. (0500 GMT)and was due to be closed at 6:00 p.m. (1500 GMT) before opening again on Saturday.

    The Gaza's unique gateway to the world bypassing Israel was reopened ahead of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Korhola said that students, the patient and the pilgrims were being allowed from Gaza into Egypt on Friday, while the crossing would be open for everyone on Saturday.

    As for people from Egypt into the Gaza Strip, however, there were no restrictions, Korhola said.

    The crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt was closed last June when Palestinian militant groups captured an Israeli soldier.

    It has been partially reopened only a few times for short periods and the closures have left thousands stranded on either side of the border amid the persistent Israeli offensive on Gaza. Enditem