It’s always difficult to get in and out of Gaza, even when there aren’t bombs falling, rockets being fired or gunfire taking place in the streets.
Usually there are two border crossings for people; Erez and Rafah. At the first, you must have permission from both Israel and Hamas to enter. That entrance is mainly used by journalists and aid workers. At Rafah, permission is needed from Egypt and Hamas. That crossing is used mainly by patients and people with family in Gaza. All permits take time to obtain and conditions can change quickly.
That’s a normal day.
“Rafah has become a pawn in the diplomatic game”
Now it is full-scale war, probably the worst that has occurred against Gaza. Erez is completely closed and Rafah has become a pawn in the diplomatic game. Patients, aid workers and foreign nationals must go out. Food, water, medicine and fuel must come in. Everything is a negotiation and pressure. In total, around 7,000 people with foreign citizenship want to travel abroad. In the middle of that mess, there are the names of the 500 Swedish citizens who, for various reasons, are in Gaza and now want to leave the strip of land. From time to time there has been information that tomorrow the border will be opened. Or no, the next day, it is then said. And then only for a few people. Or none at all. Incredibly messy.
“However, how many will actually come out is unclear”
The fact that the internet and telecommunications are cut off at regular intervals so that those affected cannot be reached complicates the situation. In addition, Sweden’s approach initially was that since the Foreign Ministry advised against traveling to Gaza, those who traveled there are responsible for their own well-being and woe. But gradually the Swedish authorities have realized that the situation is extraordinary and when many other countries put pressure on those who rule over the border: Israel, Egypt, Hamas. Yes, then Sweden must also act. Now some Swedes are therefore beginning to be able to leave Gaza. However, it is unclear how many will actually come out. Some cannot be reached, for others the journey to the border is too dangerous or Rafah is simply closed again.