In the wake of escalating violence between Israel and Hamas, several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and France, are taking steps to evacuate their citizens from Israel. This development comes as tensions rise, with Hamas’s continued rocket attacks and Israeli airstrikes.
Indian Evacuation Efforts
CNN reports that India is facilitating the evacuation of approximately 230 Indian nationals from Israel. A charter flight from India is scheduled to land in Tel Aviv, with the expectation of returning to India on the following morning. The move was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, during a news conference on Thursday.
Nepal’s Evacuation Efforts
Nepal’s foreign ministry has successfully evacuated 253 Nepali students who were in Israel. A flight carrying these students departed from Tel Aviv on Thursday. Tragically, ten Nepali agriculture students lost their lives in a Hamas attack on a kibbutz in southern Israel. Three students were injured and are currently receiving medical care, while one student remains missing, according to Nepal’s Ambassador to Israel, Kanta Rizal.
Colombian Nationals Leave Israel
In addition to the aforementioned evacuations, a plane carrying 110 Colombian nationals has left Tel Aviv, as confirmed by the country’s foreign ministry.
UN Workers Killed in Gaza
The ongoing conflict has also taken a toll on United Nations workers in Gaza. At least 12 individuals working with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) have lost their lives since Saturday, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region. All 12 of these UN workers were Palestinians, according to the UN’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric.
The crisis has led to a significant displacement of people in Gaza, with over 338,000 people seeking refuge, a 30 percent increase within the last 24 hours. Of this figure, two-thirds are finding shelter in 92 schools managed by the UNRWA.
Death Toll and Humanitarian Impact
The death toll in Gaza stands at 1,417 people, while the number of people killed in Israel has reached 1,300, according to Al Jazeera. Israel has reportedly conducted around 6,000 bombings, containing 4,000 tonnes of explosives, since Hamas’s attack on Saturday.
Amidst this crisis, Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza, with no humanitarian exceptions, demanding the release of hostages taken during the recent attack.
US Evacuation and Missing Citizens
The United States is also taking steps to evacuate its citizens from Israel. The White House announced its efforts to organize charter flights for this purpose. The death toll among Americans following the Hamas attack stands at 27, and 14 Americans are reported missing, as per National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby.
UK Evacuations and France’s Pledge
The United Kingdom is arranging flights to bring British nationals out of Israel. The first flight was set to depart from Tel Aviv on Thursday, with plans for commercial flights to the UK for those wanting to leave Israel.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to do everything possible to secure the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas. At least 13 French citizens have been confirmed killed in the attack, and 17 more, including children and adults, are missing. France is working to secure the release of these hostages in coordination with Israeli authorities and international partners.
The conflict in the region continues to have dire consequences, not only for those directly involved but also for international citizens and humanitarian workers in the midst of the turmoil. The situation remains highly fluid, with countries intensifying their evacuation efforts as the crisis unfolds.