People left the Gaza Strip, following the reopening of a crossing into Egypt on November 1, 2023 (Photo: Xinhua/ VNA)

This number is expected to grow. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said the US will continue to work with the governments of Egypt and Israel to ensure safe passage for US citizens, their immediate family members, and permanent residents of the US.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last week that the US is tracking some 400 US citizens and another 600 family members seeking to leave Gaza.

The Canadian government said the first group of Canadian citizens has left Gaza. Ottawa said efforts will continue to help all Canadians leave the region where a dire humanitarian crisis is growing.