Canadians stuck in the Gaza Strip can begin evacuating the region as early as Tuesday morning through the Rafah border crossing to find refuge in Egypt.
Canadian citizens registered with Global Affairs Canada who are in the Gaza Strip have received a message asking them to arrive at the border crossing by 9 a.m. (2 a.m. Eastern Time), reported CBC News, which provided a copy of the message had received.
After clearing customs, Canadian citizens will be met by Canadian consular officials in Egypt. They will then be transported to Cairo by bus.
The evacuees have three days to leave Egypt at their own expense.
“In Cairo we will provide food, shelter and basic needs. We will also help you return to Canada at your expense. Financial support in the form of emergency travel assistance is available to those who need it,” the ministry said in its statement as quoted by CBC.
According to Ottawa, only four Canadians have been able to leave the Gaza Strip so far. In its daily update on Monday, the ministry said it was in contact with more than 600 Canadians present in the enclave. This is the subject of Israeli bombing in retaliation for the Hamas attack on its territory a month ago.