The Ukrainian foreign ministry is preparing to evacuate 358 Ukrainians from the Gaza Strip, the ministry's spokesman Oleh Nikolenko said.
"Following the decision of the Egyptian authorities to allow foreigners to leave the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, other involved agencies, and Ukrainian embassies in the region have begun the preparatory stage of the evacuation of Ukrainians," Nikolenko said.
According to him, the list of those willing to leave has been updated. Currently, there are 358 people on the list. These are mostly women and children. We are in touch with all of them.
An official request was also sent to the parties involved to issue permits to leave the Palestinian enclave and transit through Egyptian territory. Approval is awaited.
In addition, documents have been prepared for Ukrainians who do not have valid travel documents. The necessary transport has been booked.
A group of diplomats has been formed to arrive at the border with the Gaza Strip to assist Ukrainian citizens on the spot. The Egyptian side has informed that foreigners will be allowed to leave the Gaza Strip in alphabetical order, according to their citizenship.
Nikolenko noted that the issue of evacuation is under the personal control of Minister Dmytro Kuleba.