Gaza’s border with Egypt opened today for a limited evacuation, offering a glimmer of hope for those trapped in the war-torn enclave. After almost four weeks of intense conflict, the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt allowed for the safe passage of just under 500 individuals. By early morning, people were already streaming through the Palestinian side of the crossing, desperate to escape the violence that has ravaged their homes.
However, scenes of chaos soon unfolded as individuals pushed to be allowed through the crossing. Many expressed anger and frustration that their pleas for help had gone unheard by embassies and government officials. As of midday, the General Authority for Crossings in Gaza reported that 76 wounded Palestinians and their companions, along with 335 individuals holding foreign passports, had successfully crossed into Egypt through the Rafah border crossing.
This opening comes on the heels of Israel’s recent bombing of Jabalia refugee camp, which tragically claimed the lives of more than 50 people, according to Gaza’s health authorities. The conflict, which has been ongoing for weeks, has resulted in a devastating death toll of over 8,700 Palestinians, including over 3,500 children.
Situated at the southern tip of Gaza, the Rafah border crossing is currently the only exit point for those trapped in the besieged enclave. This marks the first time the crossing has been opened since the outbreak of war on October 7. The other two crossings that connect Gaza with Israel, Beit Hanoun and Karem Abu Salem, have remained closed since Hamas initiated its attack near the Gaza border fence, resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 Israelis.
Efforts by the United States to secure safe passage for all Gaza Palestinians through Egypt have so far been unsuccessful. However, Egypt has allowed over 200 trucks carrying vital humanitarian supplies to pass through the Rafah crossing into Gaza over the past 11 days. The agreement between Egypt, Israel, and Hamas, brokered by Qatar and coordinated with the US, is separate from ongoing discussions regarding the release of hostages held by Hamas since their attack on Israeli territory last month.
Currently, Hamas is holding more than 230 individuals, including Israeli soldiers, civilians, and foreigners from various nations. Four hostages have been released thus far, and a Hamas representative recently announced that more releases would follow soon. The official list of evacuees includes sick and injured individuals who were transported to the border in Palestinian ambulances. Egypt has set up a field hospital in Sinai and deployed 10 ambulances to receive the arrivals in Rafah.
While the evacuation is expected to take place within a limited timeframe, no specific timeline has been made public. So far, only a few convoys carrying essential supplies like food, water, and medicine have been permitted to enter the besieged enclave through the Rafah crossing.
Palestine’s General Authorities for Crossings and Borders have compiled a list of 491 individuals, including dual nationals, foreign passport holders, and injured Palestinians, who have been approved for evacuation from Gaza. Notably, there is no mention of US and UK nationals on the list, although it is unclear whether citizens of these countries may have been included in the lists provided to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and various NGOs, which did not disclose specific nationalities.
As the world watches the ongoing conflict unfold, the limited evacuation from Gaza offers a glimmer of hope for those seeking safety and refuge. However, the situation remains dire, and urgent international intervention is needed to address the humanitarian crisis and bring an end to the violence that has claimed countless lives.
