Rafah crossing has been opened. Within minutes of the gates opening, numerous people and vehicles could be seen crossing the gates heading towards Egypt.
According to the General Authority of the Gaza Crossing, 335 foreign passport holders and 76 injured Palestinians and their companions entered Egypt through the Rafah border crossing.
Minutes before the opening of the Rafah crossing, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverley said he expected the ‘first batch of foreign nationals’ to leave Gaza today.
He said on social media, ‘UK representatives are ready to help the citizens of the country. They will get help only if they cross the border.’
He added, “It is very important for humanitarian aid to get there quickly to save the lives of the residents of Gaza.”
All foreign nationals and seriously injured civilians will be released from Gaza. Israel, Hamas and Egypt reached a consensus in this regard through the mediation of Qatar. The United States is playing a coordinating role in this regard.
However, this agreement has nothing to do with the negotiation of hostage release. When, when and how many will be released, details are not known.
According to the news agency, numerous ambulances have arrived at the Rafah border. “Medical teams will be present at the border and examine the injured,” the agency said, quoting an Egyptian medical official. They will decide who will be sent to which hospital.’
The official, who did not want to be named, also said that a field hospital will be set up in the town of Sheikh Zuayed, located in the North Sinai Peninsula, about 15 kilometers from Rafah. Injured Palestinians will be given medical care.
Journalists from the Rafah border reported this morning that several people were waiting in front of the gate of the Rafah crossing. Several ambulances and other vehicles were also seen there.
