Global Affairs Canada has informed Canadians trapped in the Gaza Strip that they could be allowed out --quote-- ``as early as Sunday.''
An email sent today to Canadians who have registered with Global Affairs says the crossings could happen soon and they will be contacted with specific departure dates.
The email says consular officials will be on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing to assist evacuees, including the onward travel to Canada.
It also warns that the situation is fluid and unpredictable, and encourages trapped Canadians to assess the risks as they decide whether to travel to the border crossing.
Global Affairs says in a statement that the Israeli military has informed Canada that more than 400 Canadian citizens, permanent residents and eligible family members will be able to leave Gaza through the Rafah border crossing in the coming days.
In the last two days, foreign nationals from several other countries have been allowed to exit the Palestinian territory through that border crossing.
Canadians have so far been excluded from the lists of those approved to depart.