WASHINGTON: The White House has said more than 300 Americans; US residents and their families have been evacuated from the war-hit Gaza Strip as Israel intensifies bombing in the area, Western media reported on Sunday.
White House deputy national security advisor Jonathan Finer told media that the evacuation in recent days was carried out after intensive negotiations with all sides relevant to the conflict.
He said despite these efforts, the United States thinks there are still a number of American citizens inside Gaza.
Finer went on to say that this is a major priority adding that we’re going to continue to work out until every American who wants to leave Gaza is able to do so.
Meanwhile the Rafah border crossing from Gaza to Egypt opened up Wednesday after weeks of war, permitting a small number of injured Palestinians and people with dual nationality to leave the area due to Israel’s bombardment.
Over 7,000 foreigners to be evacuated through Rafah crossing
Egypt has said it would help evacuate 7,000 foreign citizens through the crossing, however, Hamas later said that the evacuation of dual nationals and foreigners from was being suspended till Israel allows some injured Palestinians to reach Rafah so they can cross the border for hospital treatment.
The White House on Sunday said nearly 80 US citizens and their family members had left Gaza on Wednesday and Thursday.
Over 9,400 Palestinians have been martyred in Gaza since October 7, when Israel launched its daily bombardment of the densely populated enclave.
Israel has cut off fuel, water, food, and power supplies to the enclave, while airstrikes have targeted hospitals, ambulances, refugee camps, and schools.
