A top aide to President Joe Biden, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, stated that Hamas is impeding plans to evacuate U.S. citizens from Gaza to Egypt amid the ongoing conflict in the region. The Israeli forces are engaged in a military operation against Hamas following a terrorist attack in Israel that took place last weekend.
Jake Sullivan, during an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, mentioned that the Biden administration has urged Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sissi to open the border to allow American citizens to leave the embattled Gaza Strip. Sullivan explained that the situation at the crossing is complex, but the Egyptians have agreed to permit Americans to depart through the Rafah Crossing, with Israel agreeing to ensure the area’s safety to the best of their ability.
However, Sullivan pointed out that Hamas has taken steps to prevent Americans from leaving Gaza, making the evacuation process challenging. Reports suggest that some Americans residing in Gaza were stuck at the border.
Sullivan emphasized that the Biden administration is working diligently to ensure that American citizens can safely exit the Gaza Strip, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken is actively involved in this effort. He noted that anyone who is a U.S. citizen should have the right to free passage through the border crossing, with the U.S. government facilitating their journey home.
The conflict in the region has resulted in casualties, with over 1,300 people in Israel reportedly killed and approximately 3,200 more injured. At least 27 Americans have died in the attacks, and several are believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas. The U.S. is also assisting American citizens in evacuating Israel as it faces attacks from both Hamas and Hezbollah.