UK Faces Challenges Opening Rafah Crossing to Evacuate British Nationals as Gaza Crisis Deepens
The United Kingdom is facing challenges in opening the Rafah crossing into Egypt to assist British nationals in leaving Gaza, according to the country’s foreign secretary. As the Gaza crisis deepens and tensions escalate, British nationals have been advised to prepare to use the south Gaza crossing, which is currently the sole route out of the region. However, passage through the crossing is subject to control by Hamas, Egypt, and Israel, making the situation complex.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated that he is working with Israel, Egypt, and other influential political figures in the region to facilitate the opening of the Rafah crossing. This gateway is crucial not only for the evacuation of British nationals but also for providing much-needed humanitarian support to the people of Gaza.
Similar efforts are also being made by the United States government to open the Rafah crossing for Palestinian-Americans seeking to leave the area. In a statement released on Saturday, it was revealed that American officials have been collaborating with Egypt, Israel, and Qatar for several hours to find a solution. The US State Department spokesperson advised its citizens to move towards Rafah, cautioning that there might be limited notice if the crossing is opened, and it could only remain accessible for a brief period.
Meanwhile, in London, Chancellor Rishi Sunak met with King Abdullah of Jordan on Sunday, where discussions focused on diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the wider Middle East. The cutting off of water, food, and energy supply to Gaza has raised concerns worldwide about the possibility of a humanitarian disaster unfolding.
British nationals have been strongly urged to follow the instructions of the Israeli government and relocate to the south. They have also received messages informing them to remain on high alert in case the Rafah crossing is opened for evacuation. However, some British-Palestinian individuals, like Mohammed Ghalayini, who were in Gaza at the time of the conflict, have expressed their frustration with the UK government’s handling of the situation. Ghalayini mentioned the lack of communication about reaching the crossing and emphasized the dangerous nature of the journey due to an exposed road leading to the border.
In light of Hamas’s attacks on southern Israel, the Israeli government has instructed the 1.1 million civilians in northern Gaza to move south in preparation for a ground offensive aimed at targeting Hamas, which had taken the lives of over 1,300 people in a series of recent attacks in Israel.
Tragically, at least 17 British nationals have been confirmed dead or missing as a result of the incursions. It is estimated that up to 60,000 British nationals are currently in Israel or Gaza. To aid in the repatriation efforts, four government charter flights have already departed from Israel, with two more scheduled for Sunday.
When questioned about Israel’s actions possibly constituting a breach of international law, Foreign Secretary Cleverly declined to express a definitive view on behalf of the UK government. He noted that while some quotes from international organizations described Israel’s actions as breaching the Geneva Convention or categorized them as war crimes, there are also other quotes that don’t align with these perspectives. Cleverly emphasized that the UK government is committed to upholding international humanitarian law and will raise concerns about any violations, including those involving Israel.
The Foreign Office has been actively engaging with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on the matter, and James Cleverly has been in contact with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry as part of efforts to address the crisis.
The gravity of the situation is also deeply felt by Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf, as his in-laws are currently in Gaza. Mr. Yousaf shared his emotional experience of receiving a call from his mother-in-law, who believed she might not survive an impending rocket attack. Fortunately, the attack did not occur, but Mr. Yousaf called for an immediate ceasefire to ensure the safety of civilians and create a humanitarian corridor. At the SNP conference, solidarity was expressed towards both Israeli and Gazan victims, with an emergency motion passed in this regard.
During his visit to London, King Abdullah aimed to garner international support to halt the war in Gaza. He met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday and is scheduled to visit Rome, Berlin, and Paris to address the deteriorating situation in Gaza and the urgent need for facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.
As the UK and the international community strive to navigate the complex challenges of the Gaza crisis, efforts are underway to secure the safe evacuation of British nationals and provide much-needed humanitarian assistance to the region.
