ALBAWABA - Reuters reported that Qatar has mediated an agreement between Egypt, Israel, and Hamas, in coordination with the U.S., to allow for the movement of foreign passport holders and some critically injured people out of besieged Gaza.
The agreement will allow those who hold foreign passports to leave Gaza, including foreigners in the strip and dual citizens, through the Rafah Border Crossing between Egypt and Gaza. However, no timeline has been discussed for the duration of how long the crossing will remain open.
The agreement has neither covered the hostages that have been held by Hamas since October 7, nor a ceasefire agreement to allow for the entry of humanitarian aid to ease the crisis in the enclave which is suffering from food, water, fuel, and medical shortages due to the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza.
In a televised speech, the spokesperson of Al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Obaida said that Hamas will be releasing some of the 200+ foreign hostages it had taken during the surprise attack on Israel on October 7.
Hamas operation against Israel
Hamas military group announced on Oct. 7 a military operation called "Al-Aqsa Flood" against Israel which is the biggest offensive in decades.
Palestinian fighters “infiltrated” Israel from the Gaza Strip captured military bases and took hostages as photos and videos went viral online showing Hamas fighters on vehicles inside Israel and others paragliding into occupation territory.
In response, Israeli armed forces announced targeting Hamas positions inside the Gaza Strip. Thousands were killed, and dozens of thousands of others were injured in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
Since October 7th, Israeli forces killed more than 8,525 Palestinians in Gaza. Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, more than 122 Palestinians have been killed during violent confrontations with Israeli forces.