Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden stated that the UK is hopeful that more British nationals will be able to leave Gaza on Sunday. This comes after the temporary closure of the Rafah crossing, the only exit at Rafah which borders Egypt, on Saturday. Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf shared that his in-laws, who left Gaza on Friday, have returned to Scotland. On Saturday, almost 90 people with a British passport or UK travel documents had formally requested to pass through the Rafah crossing into Egypt, but they were turned away as the crossing was shut to foreign nationals due to a reported disagreement over evacuating injured patients.
In response, a spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) expressed disappointment at the closure and confirmed that diplomatic channels are being used to press for its reopening. The FCDO spokesperson emphasized the importance of safe passage for all individuals, including foreign nationals, and the continuation of humanitarian aid. Dowden, during an interview with the BBC program “Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg,” mentioned that over 100 UK nationals have been able to cross out of Gaza into Egypt since the opening of the Rafah crossing on Wednesday. He expressed optimism that the crossing will reopen, allowing more UK nationals to leave Gaza.
Yousaf’s parents-in-law, Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla, were among those who left Gaza on Friday. The couple had been visiting family in Gaza when the conflict between Hamas and Israel escalated. The Hamas-backed Gaza Health Ministry reported a high number of casualties, with more than 9,000 deaths since the war began. Yousaf shared that he is relieved his in-laws are safely back home but emphasized the need to address the situation of those who are still trapped. He called for peace and an end to violence against innocent civilians in Gaza.
Yousaf, along with other UK politicians, advocates for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He has written to political leaders in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, urging them to unite in stopping the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. However, the UK government, supported by opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer, favors humanitarian “pauses” to facilitate aid delivery and evacuations, rather than an immediate ceasefire. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly cited Hamas’ lack of willingness to comply with a ceasefire as a reason for this approach. While Starmer is facing opposition within his party for this stance, he believes that a ceasefire at present would primarily benefit Hamas and result in further violence.
In conclusion, the situation in Gaza continues to be complex and challenging. Efforts are being made through diplomatic channels to reopen the Rafah crossing and ensure the safe passage of individuals and humanitarian aid. The UK government remains engaged and hopeful for the reopening of the crossing to allow more British nationals to leave Gaza.