Jerusalem (CNN) -- In a highly symbolic break with previous policy, Egypt reopened its border crossing into Gaza on Saturday, opening the door for Palestinians to the outside world and raising fears among some Israelis that militant attacks will increase. "Procedures were excellent," said Younes Ahmed, who described his travel into Egypt as the first such visit in his life. "I hope there will be peace between our people and I want to thank the Egyptian people and the Egyptian government ... we always hope for easier ways for Palestinians because our people suffered enough." Crossing officials said more than 600 Palestinians passed Saturday through the Rafah border, which had been subject to frequent closures by Egypt after Hamas, an Islamic militant group, took control of Gaza in June 2007.
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NEW: "Procedures were excellent," says one middle-aged Palestinian on his first visit to Egypt
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More than 600 Palestinians made the crossing Saturday
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Egypt reopens its border with Gaza, opening access to Palestinians
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The border crossing was closed by Israel and Egypt in 2007 to cut off Hamas
"@placeholder is allowing an incremental and welcome change, but it is still expressing its willingness to engage Israel and engage Israeli security concerns."
Since the flotilla raid, @placeholder has allowed a greater amount of goods to enter Gaza, but it still maintains a complete blockade of the airspace and territorial waters and has limited most exports.