Amidst the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, hundreds of foreign citizens, including approximately 400 Americans, have received permission to depart the war-torn Gaza Strip. This marks a significant civilian exodus from the territory, where severe humanitarian issues persist due to ongoing military operations.
The list, recently released by the Gaza border authority, specified those who are permitted to leave, comprising mostly of foreign citizens or dual national Palestinians. While around 400 Americans are included, the exact number who will successfully cross remains uncertain. The U.S. State Department confirmed its engagement with the American citizens seeking to leave, with department spokesperson Matthew Miller mentioning the potential number, including their families, could be close to 1,000.
Haneen Okal, an American passport holder and a mother of three residing in Gaza, articulated the overwhelming emotion surrounding the departure, stating, "We can't describe our feelings of getting evacuated." She emphasized the grim situation in the region, noting the acute shortages of essentials like food, electricity, and the omnipresent threat of bombings. Ms. Okal, echoing the sentiments of many, shared the heart-wrenching decision of her parents, American citizens themselves, opting to stay behind due to other family members without the means to depart.
On Wednesday, a preceding batch of approximately 300 foreign citizens made their exit from Gaza, as confirmed by the Gaza border authority. Along with them, critically injured Palestinians were transported to Egyptian hospitals, seeking urgent medical care.
The conflict, initiated earlier this month, has seen Israeli airstrikes intensify and a subsequent ground campaign expanding into Gaza. Reports indicate that over 9,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since the war's onset on October 7, with another 240 still held captive by Hamas. Some of these hostages have unfortunately become casualties of Israeli airstrikes.
This tumultuous situation has amplified global calls for a cease-fire. President Biden, reflecting a shift in the White House's stance, vocalized his support for a "humanitarian pause." Speaking post a campaign event, he asserted, "I think we need a pause," hinting at the potential release of the hostages held by Hamas.
The Israeli military has reported the unfortunate demise of 17 soldiers since its ground operations in Gaza began, marking the "second phase" of the war. This raises the total to 332 Israeli soldiers who have tragically lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.
The international community's focus remains on addressing the immediate humanitarian crisis and working towards establishing peace in the region.
