The Gaza Strip s border crossing with Egypt was reopened on Friday after Israel relaxed a security alert that kept it closed for 12 days.

Pedestrians carrying bags and suitcases clustered at the crossing, Gaza s gateway to the outside world. Others piled into buses or onto the backs of trucks along the road leading to the passage.

Israel has kept the passage closed frequently over the past year, citing concerns about weapons-smuggling into Gaza. The Palestinians say the closures, which prevent people and goods from coming in and out of Gaza, have crippled their economy.