Rafah crossing reopened for evacuations, says Hamas
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The Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt has reopened to facilitate the evacuation of foreigners, dual nationals, and wounded Palestinians amidst ongoing Israeli military operations, said Hamas.
The crossing had been briefly opened last week on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to allow wounded Palestinians and foreign passport holders to exit Gaza. However, it was closed over the weekend due to a dispute regarding the passage of ambulances.
Sources within the Hamas government stated that the reopening of the crossing was made possible through an agreement with Israel, brokered with the assistance of Egyptian mediators. This agreement is primarily aimed at enabling the evacuation of 30 wounded individuals, reported AFP.
On Monday, six ambulances arrived at the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, carrying wounded Palestinians destined for hospitals. This move signifies a significant step in providing medical aid and relief to those affected by the conflict.
The White House disclosed that more than 300 Americans, U.S. residents, and their families have already been successfully evacuated from the Gaza Strip. Additionally, approximately 100 British nationals were able to exit the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing, according to the British government's announcement on Monday.
Egypt has pledged to assist in the evacuation of around 7,000 foreign nationals through the Rafah crossing, underscoring the international efforts to ensure the safety of civilians caught in the midst of the hostilities.
Furthermore, the health ministry in the Hamas-administered Gaza Strip reported that the death toll resulting from Israeli airstrikes and military operations has surpassed 10,000 individuals. The ongoing violence has taken a heavy toll on the region, with many civilians affected.
As the conflict persists, Israeli forces have intensified their ground offensive in Gaza.
The situation in the region remains highly complex and fraught with humanitarian concerns, prompting international efforts to address the crisis and provide relief to those affected by the conflict.