Palestinian pilgrims, including some Hamas figures, are stranded at camps in Egypt, demanding to be allowed to return home though a crossing not controlled by Israel.

Two elderly women have died while waiting to be allowed to go.

The pilgrims are returning from performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrims fear they'll be arrested if they pass through the Aouja crossing, which Israel controls.

And the Egyptian government won't let them through the Rafah crossing, unless an EU official is present.

Al Jazeera is the only international network which has gained access to the area.