The ongoing war between Hamas and Israel in Gaza has left two British nationals and their dependents stranded in the war-torn area. The individuals were separated from their families as they were not on the approved list of foreign nationals permitted to cross into Egypt. This development has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of British citizens in the conflict zone.
Abdalrahman Alharazin, an interpreter from London, recounted his distressing experience of waiting at the Egyptian side of the border for almost three days while his pregnant wife and three children were allowed to cross. Similarly, Ahmed Sabra, a doctor from Swansea, was unable to accompany his wife and children after officials on the Palestinian side granted them passage. The two dependents, both spouses of British citizens, were permitted to enter Egypt. One of them, a doctor and mother of two British children, is seeking urgent medical attention.
The UK government has declined to comment on specific cases but assured that it is working tirelessly to assist its citizens in Gaza. While the majority of the estimated 200 British nationals in Gaza have been allowed to cross into Egypt since the reopening of the Rafah crossing a week ago, these two families remain stranded. This situation highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to ensure the safe evacuation of all British nationals from the conflict zone.
The war between Israel and Hamas has intensified over the past month, with Israel launching a major ground offensive in response to an attack by Hamas gunmen. The death toll has risen significantly, with over 1,400 people killed and 240 others taken hostage. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports over 10,500 casualties, and the UN warns of a looming humanitarian catastrophe.
Abdalrahman Alharazin revealed that his family had fled the Shejaiya area east of Gaza City for their safety and sought refuge in a UN-operated school. After their names appeared on the approved list of foreign passport holders, they moved to the Egyptian border, anxiously awaiting the resumption of crossings through Rafah. Despite not being on the list, Palestinian officials allowed Mr. Alharazin to accompany his family to the arrivals hall on the Egyptian side. However, Egyptian authorities instructed him to wait until his name was officially added by the UK embassy. After a prolonged wait, they were informed that his name had not been added, and they were to return to Gaza, leaving them in a perilous situation.
Dr. Sabra shared a similar fate, waiting near Rafah with his family for weeks. Like Mr. Alharazin, he was granted passage by Palestinian officials but was refused entry into Egypt, being told that his father had to return to Gaza. Dr. Sabra expressed his frustration, feeling that the UK has not done enough to protect its citizens and highlighting a sense of inequality based on his Palestinian origin.
The plight of these British nationals showcases the urgent need for enhanced efforts to evacuate individuals stuck in the conflict zone. The UK government has assured its citizens of its continuous engagement and coordination with Israeli and Egyptian authorities to secure permissions to cross. Regular updates are being provided to individuals in Gaza, and dedicated UK teams are deployed at the border to receive those leaving.
As the conflict continues to escalate and the death toll rises, it is crucial for the international community to come together to ensure the safety of all individuals affected by the war. This includes swift and efficient evacuation procedures for foreign nationals trapped in the conflict zone. The well-being of civilians should remain a top priority for all involved parties in the ongoing crisis.
