31 Palestinians denied entry, deported to Gaza

Thirty-one Palestinians who arrived at Cairo Airport have been deported to Gaza, the state news agency MENA reported today.

A representative of the Palestinian Embassy in Egypt and customs officials accompanied the deportees.

On July 8 and without prior warning Egypt changed its entry policy for Syrian nationals. Before these changes Syrians could enter without a visa. The new regulations required them to obtain both a visa and security clearance before entering the country. 

Also on the same date activists circulated a document signed by the Foreign Airline Services calling on employees working in passport control in Egyptian airports not to admit Palestinians arriving in Egypt — even if they have valid visas.

The document is reportedly based on directions from the Passport Authority and Civil Aviation Authority.

The changes were made in the midst of a climate of xenophobia against both Syrians and Palestinians whipped up by the Egyptian media, which alleged that they were taking part in pro-Morsi sit-ins in Cairo and meddling in Egyptian affairs.

There have been numerous reports since the policy change Palestinians resident in Egypt being denied entry upon arrival at Cairo Airport.