(VOVworld) - Egypt announced on Tuesday to open its Rafah border crossing in both directions for two more days, upon instructions from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The extension came "in solidarity with the Palestinian brothers in the Gaza Strip" and to "ease their suffering as per the agreed upon mechanisms". The crossing, which links Egypt's eastern border with the Palestinian Gaza Strip, has been opened in both directions starting Saturday. It was initially due to remain open for three days. Sisi first ordered an extension for two more days, Tuesday and Wednesday. After the second extension, the crossing should remain open until Friday. This is the first time Egypt has opened Rafah crossing for 7 consecutive days since Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi was toppled in July, 2013.