For the first time since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war, a significant number of individuals with foreign passports have successfully exited Gaza and entered Egypt through the Rafah border crossing. This development took place on Wednesday, as reported by reputable news agencies AFP and Reuters. Egyptian officials estimate that over 300 foreign nationals and dual citizens made this historic crossing.
This group of individuals is the first to leave Gaza under a carefully negotiated agreement involving Egypt, Israel, and Hamas. Qatar, in cooperation with the United States, played a crucial role in mediating this agreement, as confirmed by both Egyptian security sources and a Palestinian official.
US President Joe Biden took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to announce that American citizens would be among those departing Gaza on Wednesday. He further expressed his anticipation for more departures in the upcoming days.
The group of individuals departing Gaza is diverse, including four Italians, five French, and several Germans, according to officials from these respective countries.
Egyptian authorities have disclosed that they expect at least 500 foreign passport holders to make the crossing into their country on Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, a separate arrangement facilitated the transportation of the first group of injured Palestinians to Egypt, where they were admitted to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Although there is some discrepancy regarding the exact number, it is confirmed that injured Palestinians were successfully transported out of Gaza. The Egyptian Health Ministry has reported 16 cases, while other sources claim that 76 injured individuals have exited Gaza through the border crossing.
