People take part in a demonstration in support of Palestine, in Toronto, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
OTTAWA – No Canadians appear on a published list of people allowed to cross Monday from the Gaza Strip into Egypt, although Global Affairs Canada says it remains in contact with more than 200 Canadians, permanent residents and their eligible family members in the embattled territory.
The General Authority for Crossings and Borders posts a daily list of foreigners cleared to make the journey through the crossing at Rafah, compiled in co-ordination with the Egyptian and Israeli governments. On Sunday, 234 Canadians, permanent residents and their eligible family members travelled from Gaza into Egypt as the crossing reopened after a two-day closure.
Canadians do not appear to have made the latest list, which was released Sunday, for permission to cross on Monday.
Global Affairs Canada said it remains in contact with more than 200 Canadians, permanent residents and their eligible family members in Gaza. Last week that figure stood at more than 600.
The crossings into Egypt on Sunday mean a total of 341 Canadians, permanent residents and their family members have been able to leave Gaza since the first crossings on Nov. 7.
The war, now in its sixth week, began on Oct. 7 when Hamas militants stormed into Israel, killing an estimated 1,200 people and taking roughly 240 others back into Gaza as hostages.
Israel has retaliated with daily air and land strikes, and the Hamas-run health authority says casualties in the territory have topped 11,000.
The Egyptian government is allowing those who cross the Rafah border to stay in the country for up to 72 hours.
The Canadian Embassy in Egypt is assisting those who crossed with transportation to Cairo, as well as food and accommodation until they have arranged their travel plans.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 13, 2023.
