EL-ARISH, Egypt (Ma'an) -- Egyptian officers at the Rafah crossing on the Gaza border went on strike briefly on Thursday.

Sami Mitwali, director of the Egyptian side of the crossing, said officers were joining a wider strike calling for the dismissal of Egypt's Interior Minister Mohamad Ibrahim.

Following negotiations, the officers agreed to resume work after half an hour out of consideration for Palestinian passengers, Mitwali told Ma'an.

For most Palestinians in Gaza, the Rafah crossing is the only way out of the enclave due to Israel's blockade