The evacuation of Polish citizens from Gaza has started via the border crossing in Rafah, the head of Poland’s National Bureau of Security Jacek Siewiera said, Reuters reports.

“The first Polish citizens staying in the Gaza Strip crossed the border crossing in Rafah and are on the Egyptian side. The process has begun,” Siewiera said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

“Air Force as ordered by Polish president are ready to carry out transport.”

Siewiera later told Reuters in a phone interview the Rafah crossing was opened, enabling the departure of 18 Polish citizens, including minors.