State Department spokesman Matthew Miller did not mention a specific number in his press conference, and noted that for “practical and security” reasons, the numbers would no longer be published. At the same time, he added that more foreigners, including Americans, will arrive in Egypt in the coming days. He repeated the figure reported on Tuesday that 400 US citizens in the Gaza Strip had indicated they would leave the area; With family members, there are 1,000 people, reports MTI.
The spokesman described the agreement allowing the departure of foreigners as a breakthrough in the constantly changing situation. In the past few days, the State Department and the White House have indicated several times that only Hamas is preventing the exit of foreigners, but active negotiations have been held so that those involved can leave.
In response to a question about the future of the Gaza Strip, the Foreign Minister said that the United States does not agree with the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. Matthew Miller also reported that 59 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt on Tuesday, and a larger number of vehicles on Wednesday; More shipments are expected in the coming days.
On Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a congressional committee hearing that the current goal is to allow 100 trucks per day into the Palestinian territories, which he called the humanitarian minimum. The minister admitted that some of the aid is supposed to eventually reach Hamas, but a large percentage of it will still reach those in need. At the press conference on Wednesday, the Foreign Affairs spokesman also announced that Antony Blinken will travel to Israel again on Friday and will also hold talks in Jordan.
Cover image source: Mustafa Hassouna/Anadolu via Getty Images
