Israel has started to allow into its territory some of the Palestinians trying to flee Gaza.

Ambulances were on hand to take the ill or wounded to hospital. Some were injured in an attack on Monday when militants in Gaza opened fire and threw grenades at those trying to escape via the Erez crossing.

Negotiations are underway to find a solution for those who remain there, says one Palestinian official:

“We are studying various options. I cannot go into specific details at this stage but we are very much concerned about their situation.”

Hundreds of Gazans gathered at the Erez crossing after Islamist group Hamas seized control of the Gaza strip last week. Many have since returned after Hamas declared an amnesty. They now face a shortage of food and fuel.

But dozens still remain at the narrow Erez passage, with little in the way of supplies or facilities, hoping to reach the relative calm of the West Bank.

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