Egypt has reopened its border with Gaza to most Palestinians for the first time since 2007.
Women and children are now allowed to cross freely, as are men aged over 40. The BBC reports that men aged between 18 - 40 still require a permit and trade is prohibited.
Egypt and Israel have blockaded the Gaza Strip since Hamas took power there in 2007.
Israel fears weapons will be imported into Gaza, but Egypt insists it will conduct thorough searches.
Although the border will still be closed for trade, the opening of the Rafah crossing is expected to provide a major economic boost to Gaza.
Previously, only about 300 Palestinians were allowed out every day.
The latest move comes a month after Egypt pushed through a unity deal between the two main Palestinian factions - Fatah and Hamas - something Israel also opposed.
Fatah runs the West Bank, while Hamas governs Gaza.
In 2010, the International Committee of the Red Cross said the blockade was a clear violation of international humanitarian law.
Hundreds of smuggling tunnels run under the Egyptian border with Gaza.
