Arab Canada News
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Published: November 13, 2023
The Ministry of Global Affairs in Ottawa said that 234 Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and their family members crossed from the Palestinian Gaza Strip into Egypt yesterday afternoon, Sunday, via the Rafah border crossing.
This update came from the Canadian government with the reopening of the Rafah crossing after it was closed for two days, allowing more foreign nationals to leave the Israeli-blockaded and militarily active sector.
"We are relieved that 234 Canadians and their families were able to leave Gaza today. Thanks to our diplomats for their hard work and dedication," wrote Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly on X (formerly Twitter).
Canada continues to call for humanitarian ceasefires to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. According to Mélanie Joly, Canadian Foreign Minister
Earlier this week, another 107 people connected to Canada managed to enter Egypt from Gaza.
However, not all persons in the Gaza Strip who are connected to Canada (citizens, permanent residents, and their family members) and were allowed to leave the sector crossed the border into Egypt today.
On Friday, the names of 266 people connected to Canada were included on the list of foreign nationals permitted that day to leave the besieged Palestinian sector.
"Global Affairs Canada contacted all Canadians who were at the border today and provided them with the latest information. Since the situation remains unstable and unpredictable, Canadians should expect major delays and sudden closures at the Rafah border crossing," the ministry said in a statement.
"Canada continues to work with all relevant parties to ensure that eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their family members currently in the Gaza Strip can leave quickly and safely," the Canadian ministry added in its statement.
The Canadian embassy in Egypt is assisting those coming through the Rafah crossing to move to Cairo, providing them with food, accommodation, and essential necessities, and helping them continue their journey to Canada.
The Egyptian government also allows those exiting the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing to stay on its territory for up to 72 hours.
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