First group of Irish citizens evacuated from Gaza through Rafah border crossing

Palestinians wait to cross into Egypt at Rafah, Gaza Strip. Picture: AP Photo/Fatima Shbair

The first group of Irish citizens have been evacuated from Gaza and are now making their way through the border to Egypt.

Department of Foreign Affairs sources have confirmed that “several” citizens are crossing the border and busses are now waiting to bring them back to Cairo.

Around 30 Irish people who have been trapped in Gaza since the Israeli bombardment began last month had been told last night that they were on today’s list of evacuees.

They had been asked to make their way to the Rafah border crossing and be there by 7am.

Irish consular staff are at the Rafah crossing to meet those who may come across today.

They will be providing support, including onward travel to Ireland.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin speaking to reporters in Cairo. Picture: Elaine Loughlin

In a statement this morning, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a first group of Irish citizens and dependants has been cleared to exit.

"We expect additional Irish citizens and dependants in Gaza to be on the list in the coming days. We are working tirelessly to ensure that all those who wish to do so will be able to exit as soon as possible."

Speaking after landing in Cairo in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said it is “good news” to see the first Irish citizens included on the evacuation list since the Israeli bombardment of the enclave began last month.

“Obviously it is still a very fluid situation, but we're very hopeful that a number of Irish citizens will get through and we will continue to work on the remaining Irish citizens to get them through,” Mr Martin said.

Policemen stand at Rafah crossing port, Egypt, as humanitarian aid convoy for the Gaza Strip is parked Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. Picture: AP Photo/Omar Aziz

Sources hope that all Irish citizens who have been trapped in Gaza will now be evacuated in two tranches into Egypt. 

This could happen as early as this week, however, sources have stressed that the number of people who exit each day is unpredictable, as are the opening times of the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

Mr Martin will today meet his Egyptian counterpart. It is expected that he will raise the case of Emily Hand who is believed to be in Gaza after being taken hostage in the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

“As an eight-year-old citizen, I think it's imperative that she is released and indeed all hostages are released, particularly the children," Mr Martin said.