A week and a day after the the war began, a significant number of Gazans are making desperate attempts to flee the beleaguered Strip. However, their path to safety is obstructed as Egypt steadfastly refuses them entry. The Rafah crossing, serving as the sole land border passage between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, remains hermetically sealed. Disturbing images have emerged from the Arab media, depicting the Rafah crossing blocked by imposing concrete barriers. Equally disheartening are photos of Palestinians, some of whom hold foreign citizenships, stranded within Gaza, unable to depart.

In a recent interview with CNN, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry sought to assert that the crossing is indeed open from the Egyptian side. He attributed the closure to the destruction of roads on the Gaza Strip's side, which have been rendered unusable due to Israel's aerial bombardment. Minister Shoukry elaborated, stating, "The Rafah crossing is officially open on the Egyptian side. It was open all the time. The problem lies with the roads in Gaza leading to the crossing, which came under heavy aerial bombardment and are currently impassable."

בהמשך לתיעוד שהופץ על מאמצי חמאס למנוע מתושבי רצועת עזה לנוע דרומה, מצורפות תמונות מחסימת צירי התנועה pic.twitter.com/Ru446ieIcI

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Minister Shoukry made it clear that if foreign citizens in Gaza manage to reach the Rafah crossing, the Egyptian government stands ready to facilitate their return to their countries of origin via flights. He further emphasized that provided all the necessary procedures are meticulously adhered to and the required documentation is verified for transit, the Egyptian authorities will collaborate with respective embassies to ensure a smooth journey back to their homelands. Notably, Minister Shoukry disclosed that Egypt had attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza but had encountered hurdles in obtaining the requisite authorization.

As per data from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the conflict instigated by the Hamas organization has resulted in a staggering half a million Gazans becoming homeless. In response, a wave of residents began to relocate to southern Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued statements and used various media outlets to implore residents to vacate their homes situated in neighborhoods where Hamas members reside.

Egypt firmly refuses to allow Americans to flee Gaza unless Israel permits the transportation of humanitarian relief through Rafah Crossing.

This comes after Israel vowed to bomb aid convoys to Gaza, hoping to starve Palestinian civilians of critical resources.

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Photographs depicting Gazans loading their belongings and departing their residences, along with images of a convoy of vehicles heading southward, have spurred the Hamas organization into action. They swiftly issued a directive urging residents not to abandon their homes. Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of Hamas, who is currently abroad, implored the people of Gaza to stand their ground. He declared, "They believe that through warnings, notes, and psychological warfare, they can compel Gaza's residents to leave. They are mistaken. The people of Gaza are deeply connected to their land, and the shelling of Gaza will only strengthen our resolve to reclaim our land across all of Palestine."