GAZA CITY - PALESTINIAN officials say a terminal on the Gaza-Egypt border is operating temporarily to allow the passage of university students and medical patients.

The Rafah terminal is usually closed as part of a blockade of Gaza by Israel and Egypt. The blockade was imposed after the violent takeover of Gaza by the Islamic militant Hamas more than a year ago.

Egypt allows Rafah to open from time to time to deal with hardship cases.

This time, Rafah is to be open on Saturday and Sunday.

Ehab Ghussen of the Hamas Interior Ministry says some 3,000 Gazan have registered for departure during the two days.

Among those trying to get out are Gaza students accepted at foreign universities and medical patients seeking treatment abroad. -- AP