Foreign Affairs Minister Hadja Lahbib announced on Wednesday evening that 80 Belgians and their dependents have left Gaza through the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border.
"Relief for some 80 Belgians and their dependents who have just left Gaza via the Rafah crossing. Our teams are there to welcome and assist them. We remain mobilised for all those who are still in the Palestinian enclave," she said on social media.
She also added that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is "dramatic" – especially in hospitals. "Urgent civilian aid is needed now more than ever," she stated.
Belgium is stepping up its BFAST programme to deliver humanitarian emergency aid, medical equipment and medicines. Some of the items include sleeping bags and tents.
"Upon acceptance of the B-FAST offer, the materials will be transported from Ostend Airport to El-Arish Airport in Egypt through the humanitarian air bridge established by DG ECHO," a press statement read.
The Prime Minister is flying to Israel and the Palestinian territories this Wednesday evening.
A total of 330 Belgians and their dependants are registered in the Gaza Strip, according to figures released on Monday by a Foreign Affairs representative to the House Committee on External Relations.
On 2 November, fifty were evacuated.
