Some 80 Belgians and their relatives have left Gaza since the start of the Israel-Hamas war says Belgian foreign minister Hadja Lahbib (Francophone liberal/MR). They reportedly left Gaza via the Rafah crossing, on the border with Egypt. “Our teams are ready to receive and help them,” Ms Lahbib says.
The foreign minister made the announcement as Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Flemish liberal/Open VLD) prepares to leave for a two-day visit to the Middle East.
Posting on X Hadja Lahbib speaks of the relief felt by those involved. The evacuees reportedly left Gaza via Rafah, the border crossing with Egypt, in southern Gaza. Lahbib says Belgian teams are ready to receive and help those involved.
Earlier, 50 Belgians and their relatives were evacuated from the area. In total, 330 people with links to Belgium were in Gaza at the start of the war according to foreign ministry official Hubert Cooreman.
To get foreigners out of Gaza, a list of names had to be put to the Israeli and Egyptian authorities. Belgium put 298 names on the list. 50 names got the green light on 1 November. They have since been able to leave Gaza. Another 80 or so people have now been added to this number.
“Surprising and impressive”
VRT NWS war correspondent Rudi Vranckx says it’s “surprising and impressive” that so many dozens of people have now been able to leave Gaza. “There were 100 people on the list who were allowed out. Of them, about 80 have made it to the border.”
While it was expected that people would be able to leave Gaza during the upcoming truce, the fact that so many people have already been able to leave the area comes as a surprise says Vranckx. “It is hoped that in the coming days there will also be good news about the over 100 Belgians remaining in the Gaza Strip.”
