A total of 234 Canadians were able to leave the Gaza Strip for Egypt via the Rafah border crossing on November 12, Global Affairs Canada confirms.
They join 107 other permanent residents and family members who have already been able to leave the Palestinian territory in recent days.
We are relieved that 234 Canadians and their families were able to leave Gaza today. Thank you to our diplomats for their hard work and commitment.
Canada continues to call for humanitarian pauses to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) November 12, 2023
At least nine other Canadians have left Gaza through third parties since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began.
Permanent residents and their eligible family members entering Egypt have three days upon arrival to leave the country for Canada.
“Our embassy in Cairo is currently providing them with consular assistance, food, shelter and basic needs while they organize their travel plans,” said a statement from Global Affairs Canada.
“Our consular agents are present on the Egyptian side of the border to facilitate bus transportation to Cairo and assist with onward travel to Canada,” it added.
About 266 Canadians gathered at the Rafah border crossing on Friday but were unable to leave the Gaza Strip as the border remained closed.