More foreign nationals are preparing to leave the Gaza Strip today, Thursday, as the Hamas government reported that at least 195 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on the Jabalia refugee camp, strikes that UN human rights officials said could constitute war crimes. At least 320 foreign nationals and dozens of severely injured residents of the Gaza Strip crossed into Egypt yesterday, Wednesday, under an agreement between Israel, Egypt, and Hamas. Among those evacuated were passport holders from Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Finland, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Jordan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Border officials in Gaza stated that the Rafah crossing would reopen today, Thursday, to allow more foreigners to exit. A diplomatic source indicated that about 7,500 foreign passport holders are expected to leave the sector over the next two weeks.
Meanwhile, Israel continues its offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza, bombarding the region by land, sea, and air. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 8,796 Palestinians, including 3,648 children, have been killed in Israeli strikes since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th.
Israel reported the killing of two Hamas military leaders. The Israeli military stated that its strikes on Tuesday and Wednesday resulted in the deaths of two Hamas military leaders in Jabalia, the largest refugee camp in Gaza. Israel asserts that Hamas has command centers and other "terrorist infrastructure" within and around civilian buildings, deliberately endangering civilians in Gaza.
The media office of the Hamas government announced today, Thursday, that at least 195 Palestinians have been killed over two days in Jabalia, with 120 still missing under the rubble. The statement added that at least 777 individuals were injured. Palestinians worked yesterday, Wednesday, in a desperate attempt to rescue victims trapped among the debris. One witness described the scene as a "massacre".
UN human rights officials stated that the attacks on the camp could be classified as a war crime. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights wrote on X platform, "Given the large number of civilian casualties and the scale of destruction following Israeli airstrikes on the Jabalia refugee camp, we have serious concerns that these may be disproportionate attacks that could amount to war crimes."
The Israeli army announced that a soldier was killed in Gaza yesterday, Wednesday, following the death of 15 on Tuesday. Hospitals are facing difficulties due to fuel shortages, which have led some, including the only cancer treatment hospital in Gaza, to close their doors. Israel refuses to allow humanitarian convoys to bring in fuel, citing concerns that Hamas fighters would use it for military purposes. Ashraf al-Qudra, spokesperson for the Gaza Health Ministry, reported that the main generator at the Indonesian hospital is no longer operational due to lack of fuel.
**Blinken Departs for Israel Again**
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to leave for Israel today, Thursday, marking his second visit in less than a month. His spokesperson stated that he intends to meet with Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, tomorrow, Friday, to express solidarity while also emphasizing the need to minimize Palestinian civilian casualties.
Blinken will also make a stop in Jordan, which withdrew its ambassador from Tel Aviv yesterday, Wednesday, until Israel ceases its attacks on Gaza. Israel expressed regret over this action. The spokesperson indicated that Blinken would stress the importance of protecting civilian lives in Jordan and reaffirm the US commitment to ensuring that Palestinians are not forcibly displaced from Gaza, a growing concern in the Arab world. He will also continue discussions led by Egypt and Qatar regarding the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
Additionally, the US House of Representatives may approve today, Thursday, a bill supported by Republicans to provide $14.3 billion in aid to Israel. However, it is unlikely to become law as it faces significant opposition in the Democrat-controlled Senate, and the White House has threatened a veto. President Joe Biden is advocating for a $106 billion funding bill for Ukraine, border security, humanitarian aid, and funding for Israel.
