Palestinian NGOs demand Hamas reopen border crossing

Palestinian NGOs and rights groups Thursday called on Hamas to reopen the only foot crossing into Israel, after the Islamist movement that governs the besieged enclave closed it following an assassination.

The Palestinian NGOs Network, a coalition of more than 100 charities and rights groups, demanded the "lifting of restrictions and restrictive measures which violate human rights," a statement said.

"Security goals should not come at the expense of human rights," it added.

Hamas, shut the Erez crossing into Israel on Sunday after blaming the Israeli authorities for assassinating Mazen Faqha, 38, an official in the group who was killed in his home last Friday.

On Monday, they reopened the crossing for people going into Gaza, but people under the age of 45 are still largely prevented from leaving.

Reports said Hamas were looking for the alleged assassins, who they believe remain in Gaza.

Hamas said Faqha formed cells for their military wing in the occupied West Bank.

The Erez crossing is the only one between Gaza and Israel for people. Another crossing with Israel, Kerem Shalom, is used for goods.

The Gaza Strip has been under an Israeli blockade for a decade. Gaza's sole crossing with Egypt has also remained largely closed in recent years.

Agencies contributed to this report.