Rafah border remains closed as Canadians wait to cross

The Rafah border connecting the Gaza Strip and Egypt remains closed Thursday as hundreds of people with connections to Canada wait to learn when, or whether, they will be able to cross.

Federal officials have confirmed that no Canadians were able to leave the Gaza Strip on Wednesday due to the closure of the Rafah border crossing.

While little details have been shared about the reasoning behind closures, a U.S. State Department Spokesperson told reporters Wednesday that the closure was due to a “security circumstance.”

The General Authority for Crossings and Borders in Gaza has been publishing a list of foreign nationals who would be allowed to cross the border daily since the crossing opened over the weekend.

The first group of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their family members have left #Gaza. Our team of officials has met them on the #Egyptian side of the #Rafah border, providing them with support and care. pic.twitter.com/eVpvCHoxxo

— Foreign Policy CAN (@CanadaFP) November 7, 2023

That daily list was not made available Thursday morning.

Global Affairs Canada has affirmed that Canadian officials in Egypt remain prepared to welcome those fleeing the conflict and help them get to Cairo from there.

Those who enter Egypt from Gaza will be allowed to stay for up to three days. Canadians will be provided accommodation and basic essentials by the federal government during that time.

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On Tuesday, 75 Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their families were the first people holding connections to Canada to leave Gaza since the war first broke out just over a month ago.

Some of those first Canadian evacuees arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport following a 12-hour flight from Cairo.

Federal officials have reported that there are more than 400 Canadians, permanent residents and their families in Gaza. The Canadian government says it does not have direct control over the evacuation from the rapidly evolving conflict.

“Canadians who were at the border today for crossing were contacted, and we are hopeful the border will reopen tomorrow to allow them to cross. Canada does not determine when or how many persons can cross each day,” Global Affairs Canada said in a statement late Wednesday afternoon.

“As the situation is quite fluid and unpredictable, Canadians should be prepared for significant delays and unexpected closures at the Rafah border. Canada continues to engage all relevant parties to ensure that Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their eligible family members presently in Gaza can exit safely and promptly.”

This report was created with files from The Canadian Press