1st British nationals cross from Gaza into Egypt

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The first British nationals have passed through the Rafah border crossing from Gaza into Egypt, the UK Foreign Office announced Wednesday.

"UK teams are on the ground providing assistance," the office said in a statement.

Earlier, Egyptian authorities informed the border authority in Gaza that the Rafah crossing would open on Wednesday to facilitate the passage of critically injured Palestinians for treatment in Egypt.

"We will continue working with partners to ensure the crossing is opened again, allowing vital aid into Gaza and more British nationals to leave safely," added the statement.

The Israeli army has expanded its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise cross-border offensive on Oct. 7.

More than 10,300 people have since been killed in the conflict, including at least 8,796 Palestinians and more than 1,538 Israelis, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.