The Egyptian authorities announced the closure of Rafah Border Crossing in northern Sinai to the movement from both sides due to the start of the Egyptian presidential elections. An Egyptian official source at Rafah crossing said in a statement issued here Wednesday that movement will be resumed at the crossing starting Thursday according to the new operation mechanism. The source added that the new operation mechanism has been implemented since 25 May 2011, noting that the total number of transits, from both sides, during this period exceeded 356,905.