Rafah Crossing opens to allow injured, dual nationals out of Gaza

The Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt has opened for the first time since 7 October, in a deal brokered by Qatar.

This is the moment the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt was opened to people for the first time since the start of Israel’s war in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/djKdPGtqH9

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) November 1, 2023

It is not clear how long the crossing will remain open, not how many people will be allowed to pass through it. However, sources have said some 500 foreign nationals will be allowed to leave the Strip, but not all will be able to pass through the crossing today.

The Guardian reported families and vehicles queuing up to exit Gaza, adding that there reports that Egypt would allow in 81 seriously injured people out the Strip. A line of ambulances was seen on  the Egyptian side of the crossing waiting to take the sick and injured. This will be the first time anyone has been able to leave the Gaza Strip since Israel’s relentless bombing campaign began.

The deal is not linked to other issues under negotiation such as the release of prisoners of war held by the Palestinian resistance, or pauses designed to ease a humanitarian crisis in the enclave which is suffering from food, water, fuel and medical shortages, the sources said.

#فيديو | دخول مركبات إسعاف إلى معبر رفح لنقل جرحى إلى مصر. pic.twitter.com/KeHF7f4eNV

— وكالة شهاب للأنباء (@ShehabAgency) November 1, 2023

LIVE UPDATE: Gaza’s largest hospital will cease work as fuel runs out