Scores of foreign passport holders have started departing from the conflict-ridden Gaza region as Egypt reopened the Rafah border crossing for the first time since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, according to AFP correspondents.

It wasn’t immediately clear how many individuals managed to leave through the Rafah crossing on Gaza’s southern border with Egypt. However, live footage from the scene revealed crowds of people entering the Palestinian side of the terminal.

While over 200 trucks carrying urgently needed aid have entered Gaza from Egypt, people have not been permitted to leave the distressed area. On Wednesday, approximately 400 foreign nationals and dual citizens are expected to make the crossing.

Foreign governments report the presence of passport holders from 44 different countries, as well as 28 organizations, including UN bodies, residing in Gaza. The region, home to 2.4 million people, has endured more than three weeks of relentless Israeli bombardment in response to the October 7 Hamas attacks. The territory also faces severe shortages of food, water, and electricity following an almost total Israeli blockade in response to the attacks.

This situation marks the worst in Israel’s history, resulting in the deaths of 1,400 individuals, primarily civilians. The health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza states that more than 8,500 people, predominantly women and children, have lost their lives in the bombings.

Additionally, Egypt has announced that the first group of 81 seriously ill or wounded Palestinians will be allowed to enter Egypt for medical treatment on Wednesday. Television channels associated with the Egyptian intelligence services have aired live images of a fleet of ambulances entering the terminal.

According to Palestinian sources, it is expected that 88 individuals will be transported to Egyptian hospitals for treatment.

The decision to open the crossing came shortly after an Israeli strike on Gaza’s largest refugee camp, where at least 50 people were killed, according to the health ministry.

On Tuesday, Egypt strongly condemned the strike on Jabalia camp, warning against the repercussions of ongoing indiscriminate attacks on defenseless civilians in a statement from the foreign ministry.

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