Qatar brokers deal between Egypt, Hamas and Israel for limited Gaza evacuations

Egypt, Israel and Hamas have come to an agreement allowing limited evacuations out of Gaza and into Egypt through the Rafah crossing following negotiations this week.

Qatari officials mediated the talks and came to the agreement early Wednesday. The deal allows for foreign passport holders and some critically injured Gaza residents to evacuate, though no timeline has been set for how long the crossing will remain open, a source briefed on the deal told Reuters.

Dozens of foreign passport holders reportedly could be seen entering the crossing Wednesday morning in evidence of the deal.

The negotiations came as the Israeli military has been carrying out the second stage of its war against Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces have greatly expanded ground operations in Gaza, clearing Hamas terrorists out of their fortified positions and tunnels.