Secretaries of State Antony “Blinken” and Tony Blinken recently spoke to the media about the situation in Gaza with foreign nationals not able to leave.
The two U.S. secretaries accused Hamas of blocking the exits for foreign nationals, a move they said was “unacceptable,” and added that this was a violation of humanitarian law.
They also noted that they were actively working to do what they can to help the foreign nationals get out safely, but that in order for this to be successful, Hamas would need to allow the foreign nationals to leave freely.
Blinken also noted that the US had been in contact with Egypt who agreed to take in the foreign nationals and help in their medical care and eventual resettlement once they had been able to leave Gaza.
The two secretaries also appeared to agree that international pressure would need to be placed on Hamas and other groups that have an influence in the region in order to ensure that the situation is resolved and that the foreign nationals are able to safely leave.
The US is also continuing to work with humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross and UN High Commissioner for Refugees in an attempt to secure a safe pathway out for the foreign nationals.
Ultimately, the U.S. is looking for a peaceful resolution to the issues in Gaza and insists that Hamas needs to take responsibility and allow people to leave on their own terms. Until this happens, the two Blinkens assert that the US is actively engaged in helping to facilitate the safe resettlement of the foreign nationals.