On November 1, the Rafah crossing from the Gaza Strip to Egypt was opened for the first time since the Israel-Hamas war began, allowing refugees to leave the war zone. Fox News reported “injured Palestinians were able to cross in ambulances that will be taken to Egyptian hospitals where they can receive further medical care.” Other sources said it was at least 76 injured people able to leave. Hundreds of foreign nationals and dual-passport holders were among those leaving.
These are the first civilians to leave for Egypt through the crossing, due to the efforts of a deal struck with Israel by Egypt and Qatar. Long lines waited at the crossing, as agents checked passports and papers. Trucks full of aid supplies stood waiting to enter Gaza from the Egyptian side.
Exact casualty figures of the Israel-Hamas war are disputed, but all experts agree that the toll on civilians has been massive.
