Built as a gateway between Gaza and Egypt, the Rafah Crossing was shut four years ago and has stayed largely closed. <br /><br />The crossing has officially been reopened now. While restrictions have been eased on goods entering Gaza and the limited passage for people since February, this is a dramatic change of policy from Egypt. <br /><br />Egypt and Israel blocked Gaza off four years ago after Hamas took power and captured an Israeli solider. This despite the need by Gazans for medical, food and other supplies. <br /><br />From December 2008 to January 2009 a conflict took place between Gaza and Southern Israel. <br /><br />An estimated 14-hundred Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed, while many more innocent civilians were injured. <br /><br />A year ago, a Gaza-bound aid flotilla was raided by Israeli forces. Nine Turkish nationals were killed sparking an international outcry. <br /><br />Al Jazeera's Caroline Malone reports.
