The family of an Irish-Palestinian doctor who is currently working in Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza have made it into Egypt through the Rafah border crossing.
Nour El Mokhallalati and her three children Sahar, Sama, and Mofeed, arrived in Cairo today and are with workers from Ireland's embassy.
Her husband Dr Ahmed Mokhallalati has remained in Gaza, while his brother Mohammad also travelled with the family today.
Dr El Mokhallalati, a senior plastic surgeon in Al Shifa, which is the largest hospital in Gaza, had continued to work throughout the bombardment.
The hospital had been surrounded and air raided by Israeli forces who claimed that Hamas had been operating a control centre from under it.
Patients and civilians have been evacuated from the area in recent weeks, but Dr El Mokhallalati has remained there.
He said that around 150 patients are still there, and that only two doctors, a nurse, and three volunteers are helping them.
He said that there has been a shortage of water, food, and medical supplies, and described his own health as "very bad" due to tiredness.
His family are expected to arrive in Ireland in due course, and will stay with other Irish family members in Dublin.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed to RTÉ News that five more Irish citizens and dependents excited Gaza via the Rafah crossing today, bringing the total to 56.
A spokesperson for the Department said that a small number of citizens remain in the region, and that they will continue to work with relevant authorities to assist them.
