Eight Belgian nationals have succeeded in leaving the Gaza Strip after the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt partially reopened. In recent days the Palestinian territory has come under a massive attack from Israeli defence forces eager to eradicate Hamas, an organisation on the EU’s terrorism list that runs Gaza. Earlier Hamas fighters killed 1,400 Israelis in the October 7 surprise attack.
In all some 600 foreign passport holders have been able to cross into Egypt today. The Belgian foreign ministry has confirmed eight Belgians are included in their number. A further nine Belgian nationals are currently being processed by immigration officials.
Yesterday 320 foreign nationals were able to leave Gaza including a Belgian MSF worker following an agreement between Israel, Egypt and Hamas. In all 50 Belgian nationals are on the approved list of people being allowed to leave the territory.
A team of Belgian diplomats is at the crossing to support nationals. The Belgian foreign ministry says contact with Belgians in Gaza is difficult: in all 50 nationals have been contacted and offered passage out of the Strip.