Dozens of Palestinian patients who need urgent medical treatment demonstrated on Thursday before the closed Rafah border crossing between Gaza Strip and Egypt.

The Palestinian patients and dozens of ambulances gathered near the gate of the crossing calling on the Egyptian authorities to reopen the crossing which has been closed for more than two months.

Rafah crossing was completely closed right after Hamas movement took control of the Gaza Strip by force in mid-June 2007. Right after Hamas took control of the enclave the European inspectors also left the crossing.

According to a US-brokered deal to operate Gaza Strip crossing in 2005, the Palestinian National Authority can operate the crossing under an EU inspection. Egypt and the EU refused to deal with Hamas government to run the crossing.

However, Egypt, has frequently opened the crossing for two or three days for humanitarian reasons to allow patients who need medical treatment abroad and students who study in Arab and foreign universities.

Egypt insists that it will only open the crossing if Hamas and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reach an agreement to operate the crossing in accordance with the 2005 agreement.

The demonstrators waved flags and held banners of "we call on Egypt to save our lives," "we call on all parties to avoid Rafah crossing from the political disputes," "please help us to get our proper medical treatment."

Adel Zourob, an official in charge of crossings in Hamas ministry of interior, had earlier said that there are 700 Palestinian patients who still need medical treatment in Egyptian and Arab hospitals.

Israel had closed down all crossings with the Gaza Strip after Hamas took control of the enclave and routed Abbas security forces.Israel also reopens the crossings for humanitarian aids and supplies.