The Egyptian Foreign Ministry onWednesday summoned Israeli Ambassador to Egypt Eli Sheked, urgingIsrael to re-open the Rafah crossing point.

Speaking to reporters, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed AbulGheit said that it was imperative for Israel to live up to itsresponsibilities toward thousands of Palestinians stranded at thecrossing point.

He said that his ministry was in close contact with the IsraeliEmbassy in Cairo in this respect, adding that he sent a letter toUN chief Kofi Annan to ask him to immediately intervene to end thecrisis.

In addition, Egypt has urged the European Union to take animmediate action to end the humanitarian crisis at Rafah crossingpoint, Abul Gheit said.

The Egyptian Red Crescent Society was working to help thestranded Palestinians by setting up makeshift tents and supplyingfood, water and medicines, he added.

The Rafah crossing point has been closed down since July 17. About 2,500 Palestinians, including men, women and children ofall ages, are crammed into a parking lot about half the size of asoccer field with only two doors for ventilation and straw matsserving as beds.

Source: Xinhua