Unimpeded crossings on Gaza-Egypt border

Dozens of people managed to cross the border both ways between Egypt and the Gaza Strip without any constraints, as confusion following Israel's departure from the Palestinian territory increases.

Several holes have been punched through the metal and barbed-wire security fence, large enough to step over a small footwall to reach the other side of divided Rafah, the town split down the middle between Egypt and Gaza.

On Monday, a Palestinian was shot dead and another wounded as hundreds stormed the Gaza-Egypt buffer zone just hours after Israeli troops withrew. Egypt denied reports that its troops were responsible for the shootings.

Under an agreement with Israel, Egypt has been deploying a 750-strong force to take security responsibility for the border and prevent weapons smuggling, in an operation due to be completed by the end of this week.

Israel has already voiced concern over the free movement across the border and called for Egyptian forces to move swiftly to restore order, the AFP reports.