By Faruk Zorlu
The US Embassy in Israel has said that it has received information that the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza will open at 10:00 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) on Saturday.
In a statement on Saturday, the embassy said: “If the border is opened, we do not know how long it will remain open for foreign citizens to depart Gaza.”
"We anticipate that many people would attempt to cross should the border open, and US citizens attempting to enter Egypt should expect a potentially chaotic and disorderly environment on both sides of the crossing," the embassy added.
"The situation remains dynamic and fluid and the security environment is unpredictable," it said, calling on individuals to conduct a thorough assessment of their personal safety and security before considering any travel toward the border or attempting to cross.
"We will send you updated information on US government assistance in Egypt via this email address," the statement said.
The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
At least 4,137 Palestinians, including 1,524 children and 1,000 women have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza. That figure stands at more than 1,400 in Israel.