NewsCrucial decision: Egypt, Israel, and Hamas permit Gaza evacuations

Crucial decision: Egypt, Israel, and Hamas permit Gaza evacuations

Northern part of the city Gaza, October 31
Northern part of the city Gaza, October 31
Images source: © PAP | MOHAMMED SABER

8:11 AM EDT, November 1, 2023

An agreement has been secured between Egypt, Israel, and Hamas to allow for the evacuation of some individuals from the Gaza Strip. However, the permission to depart is only extended to critically injured Palestinians, in addition to foreigners and dual citizens.

The evacuation, which has been negotiated in coordination with the United States, will only encompass holders of foreign passports and certain critically injured individuals. The duration during which the Rafah border crossing will remain available is yet to be specified.

According to Reuters, this agreement is not connected to other negotiations, such as those concerning prisoner release.

Based on information from the Gaza health ministry, Bloomberg reported that approximately 81 injured Palestinians will be evacuated via the Rafah border crossing and transported to Egyptian hospitals.

Bloomberg also anticipates that some foreigners and dual nationals will be granted admission into Egypt. This is expected to include employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross, along with citizens from Australia, Austria, Jordan, and Indonesia.

The Egyptian authorities have stated that the first group of foreigners planning to leave the Gaza Strip for Egypt will do so on Wednesday.