At any moment Israel could carry out a massive ground operation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Defense Forces have already requested the evacuation of all civilians, but a large number of American citizens are reportedly still stranded.
In an attempt to ensure the safe departure of foreigners, the United States reached a tentative agreement with Egypt and Israel to allow more than 500 Americans trapped in the contested territory to pass through the Rafah crossing.
Reports claim the deal would allow both Americans and other foreigners to leave through the Egyptian border crossing until 10 a.m. ET. However, as the deadline approached, dozens of American citizens reported that they were still stranded in the Gaza Strip.
“This is absolutely nerve-racking. I’m so worried now more than ever before,” said Lena Beseiso, a 57-year-old woman waiting to cross with her husband, two daughters and a 10-year-old grandson, according to the New York Post.
Rumors emerged on social media that the agreement between the three countries ended due to the alleged refusal of the United States and Israel to allow aid trucks to enter Gaza. But the reasons behind the border closure have not been made clear.
Gaza: The military conflict between Israel and Hamas is ongoing, making identifying departure options for U.S. citizens complex. We are working on potential options for departure from Gaza for U.S. citizens. We have U.S. government officials working 24/7 to try to assist. If you… pic.twitter.com/K5L4pGi7xK
— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) October 14, 2023
First raid on Gaza
The Israeli army has already carried out its first raid into Gaza, during which bodies of people who were kidnapped by Hamas were discovered. Israeli troops also found objects that reportedly could help with the search for other hostages.
“The operation was carried out jointly by infantry and armored units which took out a Hamas cell that fired anti-tank missiles at Israeli territory,” The Jerusalem Post reported.
