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Qatar-brokered deal to open the crossing to Egypt will allow foreigners to escape the enclave. Follow the day’s news live
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Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer and I’ll be bringing you some of our best overnight and breaking stories before Mostafa Rachwani takes over.
Australians who were trapped in Gaza are reportedly among those who have managed to evacuate after a breakthrough in opening the Rafah crossing overnight for people to flee. Qatar brokered a deal between Egypt, Hamas and Israel – coordinated by the US – for the border crossing to open and allow wounded civilians to seek hospital treatment. It will also allow Australians and other foreign nationals to escape to Egypt from the Gaza Strip, which Israel has bombarded with air strikes in response to the Hamas attack on 7 October. A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said the government was helping 88 people in Gaza, which included Australians and their family members. The ABC has reported the Australian government has confirmed 20 Australians were among those who made it out overnight. Back in Australia, Jewish groups held vigils in Sydney and Melbourne last night calling for a ceasefire. More coming up.
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