Under a new deal, US officials say that more than 5,000 foreign nationals could be allowed to cross from Gaza into Egypt as part of the deal announced today, with one senior US official saying that total could be around 7,000 people. So far, around 110 foreign nationals have crossed the border, but officials warn that the situation on the ground is ‘fluid’ and situations could change.
Ultimately, officials hope 1,000 people a day could cross the border into safety.
Approximately 400 American citizens plus their family members – about 1,000 people total – are stuck in Gaza and are seeking to leave, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken told the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing Tuesday. There are about 5,000 other third-country nationals in Gaza who also want to get out, he added.
The email from the State Department notes to residents in Gaza read:
“U.S. citizens and family members will be assigned specific departure dates to ensure an orderly crossing. Please continue to monitor your email regularly over the next 24 to 72 hours for specific instructions for you and your family.”