The Egyptian foreign ministry has announced its intent to assist in the evacuation of “about 7,000” foreign nationals and dual nationals from the conflict-stricken Gaza Strip.
Officials have indicated that approximately 400 individuals are anticipated to cross on Thursday.
After weeks of intense conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants, the Rafah border crossing finally reopened on Wednesday, allowing people to leave Gaza for the first time.
During a meeting with foreign diplomats, Egypt’s Assistant Foreign Minister Ismail Khairat announced the country’s readiness to assist in the reception and safe evacuation of foreign citizens from Gaza via the Rafah crossing, as stated in a ministry announcement.
Khairat mentioned that this operation would encompass approximately 7,000 individuals representing over 60 different nationalities. However, the statement did not provide any specific information or a set timeframe for the process.
Hundreds were expected to cross on Thursday.
“Four hundred people holding foreign passports are expected to cross today in addition to 60 wounded,” an Egyptian official at the crossing told media, indicating the figures could fluctuate during the day.
From the Palestinian perspective, Hisham Adwan, the Gaza director of the Rafah crossing, anticipated that around 100 injured individuals and approximately 400 foreigners and dual nationals, which included US citizens, were set to cross throughout the day.
The Egyptian authority reported that a total of 361 foreigners and dual nationals had entered Egypt on Wednesday, marking a slight increase from the previously stated figure of 335 provided the day before.
The official further clarified the number of wounded individuals brought into Egypt for medical treatment. Initially, it was stated that 76 wounded Palestinians were evacuated, but the official explained that this figure encompassed 46 patients and 30 accompanying individuals.
On Wednesday, among the foreign and dual nationals who crossed, there were 31 Austrians, four Italians, five French citizens, and several Germans, as confirmed by their respective governments.
According to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, US citizens from Gaza have crossed, although he refrained from disclosing the exact number.
The health ministry run by Hamas reported that the extensive Israeli bombardment has resulted in the deaths of nearly 8,800 people in Gaza. Among these casualties, approximately two-thirds were women and children.
