Belgium evacuates 24 people from Gaza Strip

Belgium is evacuating 24 people from the Gaza Strip via a flight that took off from Jordan today, according to the Foreign Ministry.

In a statement, the ministry said that they are evacuating 24 Belgian nationals and dependents who are either dual Palestinian and Belgian nationals, or with a status recognised by Belgium or with close family members who live in the country legally.

“This is a relief. After months of stagnation, these families can finally return to a safe situation,” Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said in the statement.

He said that it is “crucial” to keep the dialogue open, adding that this allows messages to be conveyed and sometimes it also leads to concrete results.

“Belgium hopes to see concrete progress in the negotiations on a second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza,” Prevot said.

The transfer was organised following diplomatic contacts and the group passed through the Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) border post yesterday.

The group then continued by road to Jordan, from where they took off today, heading for Brussels, the Brussels Times reported.

According to the foreign minister, there are still about 500 Belgian nationals and dependents in Gaza.

READ: 5-10 Palestinians die every day awaiting medical evacuation out of Gaza