Nineteen South African nationals who have been stuck in Gaza, on the Palestinian territory, since 7 October 2023 arrived safely in the country this afternoon, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) confirmed. The locals comprised of six males and thirteen females were approved for evacuation into Egypt by the Israeli authorities and arrived in Cairo last night before flying back home.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Naledi Pandor said, "South Africa extends its gratitude to the government of Egypt for granting the evacuated foreign nationals safe passage through the Rafah Crossing into its country." The department spokesperson Clayson Monyea confirmed that those who safely crossed Egypt from Gaza arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport today. "Our missions in Palestine and Egypt led by Ambassadors Shaun Byneveldt and Ntsiki Mashimbye worked with authorities to facilitate this. We are grateful for their partnership," Monyela said.

Dirco director-general Zane Dangor said during a media briefing after the arrival of the citizen that the department is aware of some South Africans still stuck in the war-torn Gaza. "We know you have loved ones who could not come through but our team will continue to work to make sure that they come back home safely. We have their names and we will be doing follow-ups within our abilities to make sure they come back safely," Dangor said. Gift of the Givers also extended its support by offering free counselling services if needed. "We express our gratitude for the efforts of our government under challenging circumstances to ensure the safe passage of our fellow citizens," reads the statement from the Gift of Givers. Gaza has been under a partial blockade by both Israel and Egypt since 2005. Several border crossings have existed from Gaza along the border of Israel and Egypt. The announcement, on 9 October 2023 of a total blockade is the first time that such a blockade has been imposed. On 7 October 2023, militants from Hamas, a Palestinian political and military organization and other Palestinian groups launched their biggest assault in years across Gaza's Israel's barrier into southern Israel, as well as firing rockets into Israel. As of last week Friday, at least 17 000 Palestinians ad Israelis including 6, 150 children had been killed including 61 journalists. Over 36,000 were left injured while 7000 are missing under the rubble.