Tens of thousands of Palestinians have poured across the border into Egypt after militants detonated a series of explosions, destroying a border barricade.
Gaza residents began entering Egypt early Wednesday to buy food, fuel and other items before returning home. Supplies have become scarce in the territory because of an Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak told reporters in Cairo that he ordered border security forces to let the Palestinians cross, as long as they are not carrying weapons.
Israeli and U.S. government spokespersons such as Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesman Arye Mekel and White House Spokeswoman Dana Perino, have expressed concern about the breach.
Outgoing U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Nicholas Burns, is visiting Israel and the Palestinian territories through Friday. He is set to meet separately with Israeli and Palestinian officials, as well as to tour the U.N. refugee agency's headquarters in the Palestinian territories.
Gaza residents began entering Egypt early Wednesday to buy food, fuel and other items before returning home. Supplies have become scarce in the territory because of an Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak told reporters in Cairo that he ordered border security forces to let the Palestinians cross, as long as they are not carrying weapons.
Israeli and U.S. government spokespersons such as Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesman Arye Mekel and White House Spokeswoman Dana Perino, have expressed concern about the breach.
Outgoing U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Nicholas Burns, is visiting Israel and the Palestinian territories through Friday. He is set to meet separately with Israeli and Palestinian officials, as well as to tour the U.N. refugee agency's headquarters in the Palestinian territories.