The British government has advised its nationals in Gaza to prepare for the possibility of the Rafah border being opened into Egypt as the only route out of the territory. The crossing is controlled by Hamas, Egypt and Israel. This comes following an incursion by Hamas into Israel which has resulted in 17 missing or confirmed dead British nationals. Israel has advised civilians to move to the southern part of Gaza ahead of a ground offensive aimed at targeting Hamas, who killed over 1,300 people in a series of attacks last weekend. Furthermore, the supply of water, food and energy to Gaza has been cut off, sparking international concern for a potential humanitarian disaster.
The UK is working closely with Egyptian officials to aid in the evacuation of its dual British nationals, their spouses and children from Gaza via the Rafah crossing. Both Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly held discussions with their Egyptian counterparts regarding the situation in Gaza. UK officials believe that up to 60,000 British nationals are currently in Israel or Gaza.
The UK government has been dispatching charter flights to evacuate its citizens from Israel and Gaza. Three flights have already departed Israel with more expected in the coming days. Several previously scheduled flights were cancelled due to insurance issues. In-laws of Scotland’s first minister, Humza Yousaf, are currently in Gaza visiting their relatives. Videos of a million people moving south, searching for food and water have been shared on social media.
In the meantime, King Abdullah of Jordan is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday to discuss the escalating conflict. King Abdullah is currently on a European tour seeking support to stop the war in Gaza and find ways to provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.
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