Brits among foreigners evacuated from Gaza as death toll climbs

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/14/gaza-brits-evacuated-israel-hamas

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Twenty seven British nationals and their dependents were among hundreds of foreigners evacuated from Gaza on Sunday amid continued bombardment by Israel and rocket fire from Hamas.

The group – including Americans, Norwegians, Romanians, Swedes and Canadians – left via a humanitarian corridor negotiated with Israel to the main border crossing at Erez in the north of the Gaza Strip.

The British nationals were met on the Israeli side by consul general Alastair McPhail before being taken by coach, escorted by armoured vehicles, to the Allenby Bridge, the international border crossing with Jordan. Most are expected to return to the UK in the next few days.

Most of the group were British Palestinians. According to a spokesman for the consulate, there are about 120 British nationals still in Gaza, along with British journalists covering the current conflict. A second evacuation may be organised if there is demand, he said.

"The safety and security of British nationals in Gaza is a very high priority. The operation to assist the departure of 27 British nationals was complex, requiring carefully thought through logistics and liaison with the UN, Israeli and Jordanian authorities. We remain in close touch with all the Brits who remain inside Gaza," said the spokesman.