GAZA/JERUSALEM- In a rapidly developing international crisis, more foreigners are being evacuated from the besieged Gaza Strip as its Hamas-run government reports significant casualties from Israeli attacks. The strikes, targeting the Jabalia refugee camp, have resulted in at least 195 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza officials, while Israel maintains that its operations aimed to eliminate Hamas commanders.
On Wednesday, under a deal involving Israel, Egypt, and Hamas, over 320 foreign citizens, along with dozens of severely injured Gazans, crossed into Egypt. Passport holders from various countries, including Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Finland, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Jordan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, were among those evacuated.
Gaza authorities have announced the reopening of the Rafah border crossing on Thursday to facilitate the departure of more foreigners. It's estimated that approximately 7,500 foreign passport holders will leave Gaza over the next two weeks.
Israel's offensive against Hamas militants has involved airstrikes by land, sea, and air. This campaign comes in response to a cross-border incursion by Hamas into southern Israel on October 7th, during which Israel alleges that Hamas gunmen killed 1,400 people, primarily civilians, and took more than 200 hostages.
According to the Gaza health ministry, at least 8,796 Palestinians, including 3,648 children, have been killed by Israeli strikes since October 7th.
In the early hours of Thursday, explosions were reported near the al-Quds hospital in densely populated Gaza City, following previous warnings from Israeli authorities for the hospital to evacuate immediately. U.N. officials raised concerns that evacuation without endangering patients was impossible.
Israel has announced the deaths of two Hamas military leaders in Jabalia, Gaza's largest refugee camp, as part of its recent strikes. Israel claims that Hamas had command centers and other "terror infrastructure" deliberately placed within civilian buildings, thereby endangering Gazan civilians.
Hamas-run media in Gaza reported at least 195 Palestinian casualties and 120 people missing in the two Israeli attacks on Jabalia, along with 777 wounded individuals.
International outcry and allegations of war crimes have arisen due to the high number of civilian casualties and extensive destruction in Jabalia. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed "serious concerns" about these attacks potentially amounting to war crimes.
As the conflict intensifies, Israel has confirmed the death of another soldier involved in Gaza fighting, bringing the total to 17 killed since ground operations expanded on Friday.
Amidst calls for a humanitarian pause in the hostilities, conditions in Gaza have deteriorated significantly under Israel's assault and tightened blockade. Shortages of food, fuel, drinking water, and medicine have become critical issues.
Dr. Fathi Abu al-Hassan, a U.S. passport holder waiting to cross into Egypt, described dire conditions in Gaza with a lack of water, food, and shelter, emphasizing the distressing situation.
Hospitals, including Gaza's only cancer hospital, have faced challenges as fuel shortages forced them to close. Israel's refusal to allow humanitarian convoys to bring in fuel, citing concerns about potential military use by Hamas fighters, has exacerbated the crisis.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to depart for his second visit to Israel in less than a month, with plans to meet Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to express solidarity and emphasize the need to minimize Palestinian civilian casualties.
Blinken will also visit Jordan, an Arab state that has normalized relations with Israel, and he will underscore the importance of protecting civilian lives while reiterating the U.S. commitment to preventing forced displacements in Gaza.
Furthermore, Blinken will engage in talks led by Egypt and Qatar to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
Meanwhile, in the U.S. House of Representatives, there is a bill providing $14.3 billion in aid for Israel, which may pass with Republican support.
However, it is expected to face opposition in the Democratic-controlled Senate, and the White House has threatened a veto. President Joe Biden is seeking a $106 billion bill that would fund Ukraine, border security, humanitarian aid, and support for Israel.
As the Gaza crisis unfolds, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, known for his strong security stance, is facing mounting political challenges. The deadly attack by Palestinian Hamas gunmen, resulting in the seizure of over 200 hostages and a significant death toll, has rocked the country. Netanyahu, who is in his sixth term as prime minister, has been criticized for the security failures that allowed the attack to occur. Public opinion, as reflected in recent polls, shows a growing majority blaming him for these failures.
These challenges compound existing issues, including his trial on corruption charges and a contentious battle over Supreme Court powers. The political landscape is in flux, and much will depend on the outcome of the ongoing military operation in Gaza and whether Netanyahu's own party will continue to support him amid calls for change.
International concerns over Netanyahu's policies, the economy, and his recent erratic behavior further complicate his leadership.