The departure of the first civilians from Gaza to Egypt through the Rafah crossing is welcome news, as it marks a step forward in humanitarian assistance to the inhabitants of the Palestinian enclave.
The Rafah crossing, which had remained closed during the conflict between Israel and Hamas, was opened on 1 November 2023 to allow the evacuation of the wounded and sick, as well as foreigners.
The first group of civilians to leave Gaza consisted of 81 people, including 40 wounded, 20 pregnant women and 21 children. The group was transferred to Egyptian hospitals for treatment.
The departure of these civilians is a relief for the families who were waiting for them, but it is also a reminder of the gravity of the situation in Gaza. The conflict has left thousands dead and wounded, and has caused a severe humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
It is important that the international community continues to work to alleviate the suffering of Gazans and to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
US President Joe Biden said on 2 November 2023 that the opening of the Rafah crossing for the evacuation of civilians from Gaza is “an important step” in alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian enclave’s inhabitants.
Biden expressed his “gratitude” to Egypt for its role in opening the crossing and said the US would continue to work with the international community to find a peaceful solution to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Biden’s comments were welcomed by Palestinians, who saw them as an acknowledgement of the gravity of the situation in Gaza. However, some analysts expressed concern that the opening of the Rafah crossing would not be enough to resolve the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
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