Palestinian pilgrims still stranded

More than 2,000 Palestinian pilgrims are still stranded after two days on ships off the coast of Egypt following a trip to Mecca.

Egypt wants the pilgrims to return to the Gaza Strip via an Israeli border crossing. The pilgrims want to return through the Palestinian-controlled border post at Rafah.

Hamas, which currently controls the Gaza Strip, is accusing Egypt of reaching an agreement with Israel. This agreement would permit Israel to arrest high-ranking members of Hamas among the pilgrims.

By Copyright Radio Netherlands 2007