Rafah, Gaza Strip, January 24, 2008A pair of Palestinians ride a horse cart past a section of destroyed border wall.

Thousands of Palestinians crossed out of Gaza and into Egypt beginning early on Wedneday after masked gunmen destroyed most of the border wall that separates Egypt from Palestinian territory.

Many in the "reverse exodus" were seeking to buy food, fuel, and other supplies, which had become scarce in Gaza because of an Israeli blockade, the AP reported.

The stream of people has caused conflicts with Egyptian police, who at first allowed unhindered passage but have since attempted to crack down on entry into the nation. Efforts were largely unsuccessful, in part because of another breached section of wall on Friday.

The incident has also sparked a political debate between Israel and Egypt over who should assume control of the Palestinian territories.

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