As part of a Qatari-mediated deal, an Egyptian security source has confirmed that up to 500 foreign passport holders are slated to pass through the Rafah crossing on Wednesday. Currently, approximately 200 individuals await their turn on the Palestinian side of the border.
While it's anticipated that not all evacuees will depart on Wednesday, there is no specific timeline for the duration of the crossing's operation, according to a second source.
A Western official disclosed that a list of foreign passport holders eligible for evacuation from Gaza has been mutually agreed upon by Israel and Egypt. An Israeli official corroborated the coordination efforts between the two nations.
In preparation for potential medical needs, Egypt has established a field hospital in Sheikh Zuwayed, with ambulances on standby at Rafah.
Crucially, the agreement facilitating evacuations is distinct from other issues, such as the release of hostages held by Hamas or the implementation of a "humanitarian pause" in the conflict—proposals that have garnered international attention but been rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Several nations, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Jordan, and Italy, are actively working to evacuate their citizens from Gaza. Notably, some individuals, such as volunteers at an Indonesia-run hospital, have chosen to remain in the region.
The conflict's origins trace back to the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7th, an incident cited by Israel as the catalyst for hostilities. Official figures state that approximately 300 soldiers and 1,100 civilians lost their lives in the initial attack.
Meanwhile, according to the Gaza health ministry, the toll on Palestinian lives since then has been devastating, with at least 8,796 individuals, including 3,648 children, falling victim to Israeli strikes in Gaza.
As the evacuation efforts unfold, the global community remains closely attuned to developments, emphasizing the need for a swift and peaceful resolution to the conflict and the prioritization of civilian safety.
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