Gaza: Britons told to be ready in case Rafah border crossing openson October 15, 2023 at 2:01 am

British nationals in Gaza have been told to be ready in case the Rafah border crossing into Egypt is opened.

The crossing, which lies in Gaza’s south, is currently the only route out of the territory, with Hamas, Egypt, and Israel all exercising degrees of control over who can pass through.

It comes after a third UK government charter flight departed Israel.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will also host King Abdullah of Jordan on Sunday to discuss the conflict.

The last week has seen the supply of water, food, and energy to Gaza cut off, prompting international concern about the potential for a humanitarian disaster in the Strip.

The Israeli government has told the 1.1 million civilians in Gaza’s north to move south ahead of a ground offensive intended to target Hamas, which killed more than 1,300 people in a series of attacks in Israel last weekend.

At least 17 British nationals are missing or confirmed dead following the incursions.

In a statement late on Saturday, the UK’s Foreign Office said officials were working with Egyptian authorities to try to arrange for British and dual nationals, as well as their spouses and children, to leave Gaza via Rafah.

British nationals are being urged to move south as directed by the Israeli government and have been sent messages telling them to be on alert in case the crossing is opened.

The statement said Mr Sunak spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi about the situation earlier this week, while Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is in contact with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry.

“The UK is committed to supporting British nationals in Israel and Gaza following this brutal terror attack by Hamas,” Mr Cleverly said.

“The safety of all British nationals is our priority and we urge everyone to continue to follow our advice and register their presence so we can get in touch.”

On Saturday, the US government said it had been working with Egypt, Israel, and Qatar to try to open the Rafah crossing for a number of hours that afternoon to allow Palestinian-Americans to leave, but that it was unclear whether any had been able to.

A spokesperson for the US State Department said US citizens were being told to move towards Rafah because “there may be very little notice if the crossing opens and it may only open for a limited time.”

The Foreign Office also said that three government-chartered flights carrying British nationals have now departed Israel, with more expected in the coming days.

Multiple flights scheduled for earlier in the week had to be postponed because of problems obtaining insurance, PA reported.

King Abdullah’s office said his visit to London was part of a European tour intended to “rally international support to stop the war on Gaza”.

He will also travel to Rome, Berlin, and Paris for meetings to discuss the “dangerous and deteriorating situation in Gaza” and the “need to facilitate the provision of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians”.