(JTA) — Egypt has opened its border crossing with Gaza for four days.

It is the first time in two months that Egypt has opened the Rafah crossing, on the Gaza Strip’s southern border, according to the Associated Press. Palestinians may enter and leave Gaza through the crossing.

More than 20,000 Gaza Palestinians have applied for permits to exit Gaza, according to A.P., and students and those seeking medical care are expected to be allowed to leave.

Rafah is Egypt’s only border crossing with Gaza, while the rest are controlled by Israel, which does not let Gazans enter its territory save for some medical cases. The Rafah crossing has been open for only 15 days this year.

The opening comes amid reports that Israel and Hamas are close to finalizing a long-term ceasefire agreement. Israel has denied the reports.

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