Gaza has been under blockade since 2007, when the Islamist Hamas movement took control of the territory.

Under ex-President Hosni Mubarak - ousted in February - Egypt opposed the Hamas administration and helped Israel to enforce the blockade.

Israel says the blockade is needed to stop weapons being smuggled into Gaza. The Rafah crossing will be opened permanently from 0900 to 2100 every day except Fridays and holidays, beginning May 28, Mena said. Rafah is the only crossing into Gaza which bypasses Israel.

"Palestinian women of all ages will be exempted from visas as will men under 18 or over 40," Mena reported. The transitional military government said last month that it intended to open the crossing permanently.

Last year, Israel eased restrictions on goods entering Gaza, but significant shortages in the territory remain. The blockade has been condemned as a form of collective punishment of the population of the Gaza Strip because of the hardships it causes.

In 2010, the International Committee of the Red Cross said the blockade was a clear violation of international humanitarian law.