British nationals and their dependents who have been prevented from leaving Gaza amid the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. Two British nationals and two dependents of other British citizens have faced difficulties leaving Gaza despite their families being allowed to cross into Egypt.
Abdalrahman Alharazin, an interpreter from London, and Ahmed Sabra, a doctor from Swansea, were both separated from their wives and children at the border crossing into Egypt. Although their families' names were on an approved list of foreign nationals, their own names were not included, and they were forced to wait for almost three days on the Egyptian side of the border.
The UK government has been working to facilitate the evacuation of British nationals from Gaza, with over 150 of an estimated 200 British nationals in the region having been allowed to cross into Egypt since the Rafah crossing reopened for foreign passport holders and seriously injured Palestinians a week prior.
The conflict in Gaza has been ongoing for a month, with Israel conducting airstrikes and launching a ground offensive in response to attacks by Hamas. The situation has resulted in a high number of casualties, and the UN has warned of a humanitarian catastrophe.
The affected British nationals and their families have expressed frustration and fear about their situation, as they remain in a dangerous area amid the conflict. They have called for help from the UK government to ensure their safe evacuation from Gaza.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office stated that they are working diligently to assist British nationals in Gaza who wish to leave. This involves coordinating with Israeli and Egyptian authorities to review cases and grant permissions to cross the border. UK teams are also deployed to the border to assist those leaving Gaza.