On Wednesday, 51 Norwegians fled the Gaza Strip and crossed the Rafah border crossing into Egypt.
This is the first time since October 7 that Norwegians are among the people allowed to cross the border.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide tells NRK that 27 Norwegian citizens were born.
NRK has been in contact with Zaki Kahil. He is among 51 Norwegian citizens on the list.
– I’m going to dance
– we are very happy. I’ve waited a long time for this news. We will dance now, he says and continues:
-I am looking forward to returning to normal life. I am happy to avoid the bombing and long lines for water, bread and medicine.
Kahil and his wife lack basic medicines while in Gaza.
Kahil received this letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Image: screenshot
However, he doesn’t feel completely safe yet.
– Something unexpected could happen and that means I can’t pass. Earlier they closed the borders for security reasons. “But at least I’m on the list,” he says.
The trip to Rafah will be at your own risk, says Kahil, who is now in southwest Gaza.
-I’m not sure if I’ll live tomorrow. It’s not certain. An hour ago, I heard bombing coming from a military ship. I have to take the risk, but I’m really worried. There is danger everywhere.
He will meet the Norwegian national team in Egypt
The Foreign Ministry wrote that a Norwegian rescue team was on its way from Cairo to the border to receive Kahil and the others arriving.
The team includes medical staff, embassy staff, and ID and document experts who can help those who lack the necessary documents, for example expired passports, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a press release.
The flight will then head to Cairo, where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a reception center.
There will still be about 200 Norwegians in Gaza waiting for the next message.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said he was now happy that the process of removing the Norwegians from Gaza was underway.
Photo: Beyat Uma Dahli/NTB
Not all Norwegian citizens in Gaza have received permission to travel, the Foreign Ministry writes.
– These people and their relatives are in a very difficult situation now. Our diplomats continue to work to ensure that Norwegian citizens are allowed to leave Gaza as quickly as possible. Those who have not received permission to travel abroad will also be informed.
NRK has also been in contact with the Norwegian Ambassador to Egypt, Hilde Klemetsdal. She says they are busy tonight preparing to receive Norwegian citizens tomorrow.
very happy
– I am very happy that I received notification that Norwegian citizens have received notification that they can travel outside Gaza. I am now contacting the people on the list, and I hope they can reach the Rafah border crossing safely. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide says in E press release.
The Minister also points out that the removal of Norwegian citizens was and remains the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ top priority.
– Gaza is a war zone, and the situation has worsened significantly in recent weeks. People lack food, medicine, water and fuel. I was and still am deeply concerned for everyone who lived through this nightmare, says the Foreign Minister.
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