Gaza's border finally reopens as foreign nationals get snap window to escape into Egypt
The Rafah border into Egypt is set to open for a limited time
REUTERS
The border between Gaza and Egypt is finally re-opening, with foreign nationals set to finally be able to leave Palestine and humanitarian aid enter.
Aid trucks were seen driving through the Rafah border crossing at around 10.15am local time (8.15am BST) this morning.
Aid trucks loaded with medicine being prepared, with just 20 trucks set to be allowed to cross into the Palestinian territory today.
Just hours ago the US Embassy in Israel told American citizens in the region via social media that it had heard Rafah border was to reopen at 10am (8am BST).
Aid lorries started crossing the border this morning
REUTERS
It warned: "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: "We do not know how long it will remain open for foreign citizens to depart Gaza."
Days of negotiations have taken place to reopen the Rafah border, which was shut in the immediate of Hamas' attacks on Israel two weeks ago today.
Israel is planning a ground invasion of Gaza as it bombards the area in a bid to route of Hamas militants and warned civilians in the north to vacate the area.
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Trucks carrying aid arrive at the Palestinian side of the border with Egypt
REUTERS
A satellite image shows the Gaza side of Rafah crossing
REUTERS
Western governments had urged Israel to hold off until humanitarian aid could enter and until foreign nationals could escape the area.
Egypt had refused to re-open the border but agreed to do so for a limited time after a visit to Israel by Joe Biden earlier this week.
"I got a commitment from the Israelis and the president of Egypt that the crossing will be open,' the US President said yesterday.
"The highway had to be repaved, and it was in very bad shape…and I believe in the next 24 to 48 hours, the first 20 trucks will come across the border."
UN Secretary General, António Guterres, visisted the Egyptian side of the border yesterday as he pleaded for aid to be allwoed through.
"These trucks are not just trucks, they are a lifeline," he said.
"They are the difference between life and death for so many people in Gaza."