The White House announced on the 2nd that about 80 American nationals have left Gaza.
U.S. President Joe Biden told reporters in the Oval Office of the White House that day, “74 Americans and dual nationals came out of (Gaza) today.”
The White House later announced that five Americans had left Gaza the previous day (the 1st), but did not disclose specific details.
This escape was the result of approximately 320 foreigners entering Egypt through the Rafah exit route in southern Gaza for the first time since the conflict between Israel and Hamas on the 1st.
John Kirby, the White House National Security Council’s strategic communications coordinator, told reporters on the 2nd that he was helping Americans arrive at the U.S. Embassy in Egypt and move to the “appropriate” location.
Coordinator Kirby went on to say that he is focused on getting as many Americans out as quickly as possible, and that he hopes more Americans will be able to leave.
He added that it is unclear how many days it will take to evacuate all Americans who want to leave Gaza.
U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken announced at a Senate hearing on the 31st that about 1,000 people, including about 400 Americans and their families, want to escape Gaza.
Secretary Blinken also told reporters on the 2nd that “concrete measures” to be taken to minimize damage to civilians in the Gaza Strip will be discussed in Israel on the 3rd amid growing concerns about a surge in casualties due to Israeli bombing.
VOA News
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2023-11-02 19:58:37
