The US State Department, on Wednesday, emphasized its top priority of reopening the Rafah crossing point between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, not only for the transit of trucks but also for the safe evacuation of US citizens and other foreign nationals. State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller stated that President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues, David Satterfield, have been actively negotiating the details on the ground.
The US aims to ensure the safe departure of its citizens and their families from Gaza, with the US Embassy in Cairo ready to provide assistance as they enter Egypt. An initial group of foreign nationals, including US citizens, departed from Gaza through Rafah as a result of these efforts, and more evacuations are expected over the next several days.
Miller mentioned that US citizens and their families have been informed of specific departure dates and instructed to monitor their email for further guidance. He stressed that the situation remains dynamic but noted that this marks an important breakthrough, and efforts will continue to facilitate the safe departure of all US citizens who wish to leave Gaza.
In terms of humanitarian assistance, the State Department reported that 59 trucks entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing on Tuesday, representing the highest number of trucks in a single day since the humanitarian corridor opened on October 21st. Deliveries to Gaza continue to increase, demonstrating the commitment to providing much-needed aid to the region.
Earlier in the day, President Joe Biden expressed his expectation that American citizens would exit Gaza on Wednesday and more would depart in the coming days. He underlined the continued US commitment to facilitating the safe evacuation of Americans from Gaza.
