GAZA, (PIC)-- The Egyptian authorities have barred the entry of a group of American students into the Gaza Strip on Friday, the Khibra (expertise) institution for consultants and development in Gaza said.

It added in a statement on Friday that the 40-member American delegation was denied access through the Rafah border terminal.

The delegates are holding contacts with a number of official circles in Cairo to allow them access, it said, adding that the delegates might still have certain papers to complete before allowing them passage.

Khibra hoped that Cairo would facilitate the entry of the American students who seek to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian citizens through their show of solidarity.