Ukrainian embassies begin preparations for evacuation of Ukrainians from Gaza

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have begun preparations for the evacuation of Ukrainians from the Gaza Strip after the Egyptian authorities allowed foreigners to leave through the Rafah checkpoint.

Source: Oleh Nikolenko, MFA spokesman on Facebook 

Quote from Nikolenko: "Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other departments involved and Ukrainian embassies in the region have begun the preparatory phase for the evacuation of Ukrainians against the background of the decision by the Egyptian authorities to allow the departure of foreigners from the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border checkpoint." 

Details: In particular, they have already: 

• updated the list of those willing to leave (currently, there are 358 people, mostly women and children; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that it is in contact with all of them);
• sent an official request to the parties involved for the issuance of permits to leave the Palestinian enclave and transit through Egyptian territory and are currently awaiting approval;
• prepared documents for Ukrainians who do not have valid travel documents;
• booked the necessary transport;
• formed a group of diplomats that will arrive at the border with the Gaza Strip to help Ukrainian citizens on the spot.

Nikolenko noted that the departure of foreigners from the Gaza Strip will be carried out in alphabetical order, according to their citizenship. 

"We are working to get our people out as soon as possible. The issue is under the personal control of Minister Dmytro Kuleba," concluded the spokesman of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Background: The Rafah crossing point on the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt has been opened for evacuation from the enclave. Palestinian group Hamas said some foreigners and wounded Palestinians would be allowed to evacuate from the Gaza Strip to Egypt. There are no Ukrainians in the group.

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