On November 2, 2023, civilians in Gaza wait to board buses as dual national Palestinians and foreigners prepare to cross the Rafah border into Egypt.
The foreign ministry stated on Thursday that Egypt is set to aid in the evacuation of approximately 7,000 foreigners and dual nationals from the conflict-stricken Gaza Strip.
After weeks of deadly conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants, marked by Hamas attacks since October 7, the Rafah border crossing opened on Wednesday to allow the exit of people from Gaza.
In a meeting with foreign diplomats, Assistant Foreign Minister Ismail Khairat stated that Egypt is making preparations to “facilitate the reception and evacuation of foreign citizens from Gaza through the Rafah crossing.”
Khairat mentioned that this encompassed “approximately 7,000” individuals, representing “over 60” different nationalities.
The statement did not provide precise information regarding the Egyptian evacuation plan’s details or timeline.
Egyptian authorities reported that on Wednesday, 76 injured Palestinians and 335 individuals holding foreign passports crossed into Egypt.
Among those who made the crossing were 31 Austrians, as well as four Italians, five French citizens, and several Germans, according to their respective governments.
Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the State Department, confirmed that U.S. citizens had crossed from Gaza but did not disclose the exact number.
Civilians in Gaza wait while dual national Palestinians and foreigners prepare to cross into Egypt through the Rafah border.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, the intense Israeli bombardment has resulted in the deaths of nearly 8,800 people in Gaza, with two-thirds of them being women and children. This escalation in violence occurred following the October 7 attacks, which Israeli officials claim left 1,400 people dead.