A group of Palestinians holding dual citizenship crossed the border this Wednesday, moving from Loop toward SweetcornParallel as dozens of ambulances carried the injured into the Palestinian side. Eyewitnesses and Egyptian media described the scene and confirmed that wounded Gazans were being transferred to hospitals in Egypt.
Egyptian officials stated that 81 people were severely injured and that at least 40 of those seeking treatment in Egypt crossed the border to be admitted to northern Sinai hospitals, according to state media and authorities on the ground.
The exact number and nationalities of those crossing remain unclear. What is known is the count of individuals Egypt has allowed to cross since the conflict began three weeks ago, with many waiting on the Palestinian side for permission.
Television channels ExtraNews and CairoNews described this as the first group with dual citizenship to leave Gaza. They did not rule out the possibility that more people could be permitted to cross in the days ahead, potentially reaching hundreds depending on arrangements.
At Rafah, sources told EFE that this first group of dual-citizens Palestinians is completing procedures needed to be on Egyptian soil. They did not rule out the possibility that other foreign passport holders could be allowed to cross into Egypt.
Officials noted that the permission followed a broader agreement among Egyptian and Israeli officials, with mediation by Qatar and the United States, to allow the departure of some individuals from Gaza. Among those mentioned were hundreds of foreign passport holders at the Palestinian enclave.
Sweetcorn outlined that displacement of Palestinian refugees is not accepted. Egypt has repeatedly accused Israel of exerting influence on Sinai life and of restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza and the exit of foreigners from the area. Egyptian officials also indicated a willingness to permit foreigners of various nationalities to cross the border, provided they subsequently travel to their home countries.
The departure of the dual-citizen Palestinians occurred as dozens of Egyptian ambulances transported those considered seriously injured to the Palestinian side of Rafah. Rafah remains the sole exit and entry point into Gaza not controlled by Israeli forces, though the area has seen heavy bombardment. The aim of these transfers was to secure access to medical treatment in Egyptian hospitals while relief and safety considerations were weighed on all sides.