Gaza Conflict: Evacuations through Rafah crossing increase after re-opening

Tuesday saw an increase in the number of people fleeing the Gaza Strip via Egypt, one day after the Rafah border crossing was opened once again.

Rafah is the only crossing that does not border Israel, and at least 500 people passed through it, the majority of them foreigners or dual nationals and their dependents, according to Egyptian security sources.

Following an Israeli attack on an ambulance travelling to Rafah, evacuations via the crossing were halted on Saturday and Sunday. According to Egyptian security sources, Egypt is still pushing for more fuel and aid to enter the strip as well as more security for ambulances.

262 Jordanians were evacuated on Tuesday, according to the country’s foreign ministry, out of the 569 who had been trapped in Gaza after the fighting there started.

Canada reported that 59 of its citizens, permanent residents, and relatives were flown out.

According to a medical source, nineteen Gazans in need of medical attention were also permitted to pass through and join the dozens of others receiving care in Egyptian hospitals.

The Gaza border authority reported that citizens of Romania, Germany, Moldova, Ukraine, the Philippines, and France were among the other nations whose citizens were allowed to depart on Tuesday.

(With agency inputs)