RAFAH TERMINAL, Gaza Strip — Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas opened the Gaza-Egypt border in a festive ceremony today — a milestone for the Palestinians who for the first time took control of a frontier crossing without Israeli veto powers and gained some freedom of movement.

The opening was seen as a step toward Palestinian independence and a boost to Abbas as he faces a fierce challenge by the Islamic militant group Hamas in Jan. 25 parliamentary elections.

“This is a great day. It is a day of happiness ... because it means an enormous step forward toward the freedom of the Palestinian people,” Marc Otte, the European Union representative in the Middle East, told 1,200 guests attending the ribbon-cutting.

Abbas said he hoped the Palestinians’ new gate to the world would spur investment, but said there can be no economic recovery without an end to lawlessness in the territories. “The magic key that can give us everything is the key of security,” he said.

He also announced a major security clampdown, saying it has already begun in some West Bank towns and would also move to the West Bank.

Abbas reiterated that the election would be held on time, dispelling rumors he would seek a delay because of disarray in his Fatah party, which held primaries in some districts today.

The Rafah terminal on the Gaza-Egypt had been closed by Israel as its troops withdrew from the Gaza Strip in September. After two months of international mediation and a final push by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Israel agreed that the Palestinians would run their side of the border, with the help of European monitors.

The crossing will open to Palestinian travelers Saturday, initially for four hours a day until the European monitors get settled. After the test period, opening hours will be expanded.

Before the Israeli pullout, travel through Rafah was often difficult. The terminal was repeatedly closed on security grounds, and at times travelers waited for days to get through.