For the first time since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, a group of people with foreign passports were able to leave Gaza and enter Egypt through the Rafah border crossing on Wednesday.

By early evening on Wednesday, over 300 foreign nationals and people with dual citizenship crossed into Egypt, the AFP and Reuters news agencies reported, citing Egyptian officials.

They are the first group to leave Gaza under a deal between Egypt, Israel and Hamas that was mediated by Qatar in coordination with the United States, Reuters reported citing Egyptian security sources and a Palestinian official. 

US President Joe Biden said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that US citizens would be among those leaving Gaza on Wednesday, adding "we expect to see more depart over the coming days."

Among the group were also four Italian nationals, five French nationals, and several German nationals, officials from the three countries said on X.

At least 500 foreign passport holders are expected to cross into Egypt on Wednesday, Egyptian authorities said.

Earlier in the day, a first group of injured Palestinians were also transported into Egypt and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

It was unclear exactly how many injured Palestinians were transported out of Gaza, with Egypt's Health Ministry putting the number at 16, while other Egyptian officials told AFP that 76 injured people had left Gaza through the border crossing.