The Rafah crossing from Gaza to Egypt has opened for the first time since Israel's siege began more than three weeks ago.

Palestinian officials say 335 foreign passport holders and 76 injured Gazans have been able to leave so far.

It's thought 88 injured Palestinians and around 500 foreign nationals will be allowed out in the first phase.

US Correspondent, Mitch McCann, told Kate Hawkesby that the exits are due to a deal brokered by Qatar between Israel, Hamas, and Egypt, coordinating with the US.

He said that US passport holders are not expected to be among the first nationals to be released.

LISTEN ABOVE

The Rafah crossing from Gaza to Egypt has opened for the first time since Israel's siege began more than three weeks ago. 
Palestinian officials say 335 foreign passport holders and 76 injured Gazans have been able to leave so far. 
It's thought 88 injured Palestinians and around 500 foreign nationals will be allowed out in the first phase. 
US Correspondent, Mitch McCann, told Kate Hawkesby that the exits are due to a deal brokered by Qatar between Israel, Hamas, and Egypt, coordinating with the US. 
He said that US passport holders are not expected to be among the first nationals to be released. 
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.