On the 14th (local time), the U.S. government ordered the evacuation of non-essential personnel and their families from the U.S. diplomatic missions in Israel.
Residents of Khan Yunis in southern Palestine, who were hit by an Israeli airstrike, are seen on the 13th (local time) looking at damaged vehicles amid the rubble of collapsed buildings. [Image source=Yonhap News]
The U.S. Department of State stated, "Due to the unpredictable security situation in Israel, we have authorized the departure of non-essential employees and eligible family members from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the consulate in Tel Aviv."
The State Department's action came about 35 minutes before the 4 p.m. deadline (10 p.m. Korean time) set by the Israeli military for Gaza City residents to evacuate ahead of ground operations.
As Israel issued a civilian evacuation order ahead of deploying ground forces into Hamas strongholds in the Gaza Strip, the area is crowded with refugees heading south to escape the war. Earlier, Israel designated two safe routes for refugees to travel south.
With Israel repeatedly pressing for evacuation by specifying a concrete 'deadline,' Gaza residents are hastily fleeing despite Hamas, the armed faction, announcing a refusal to evacuate. Roads in northern Gaza are heavily congested with thousands of refugees departing south by buses, cars, and donkey carts.
Egypt, bordering southern Gaza, announced it would open the Rafah crossing?the only passage between Gaza and Egypt?in the afternoon to allow foreigners to exit Gaza.
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