Israel has allowed around 400 foreigners to leave the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip as the Jewish state continues its military assault on the territory. Many of those allowed out are spouses and children of Gaza Palestinians. Some analysts believe the move is an indication that Israel is planning an escalation of the fighting.

One woman leaving said: “The situation is very difficult. We can not live there. There are Israeli raids every hour of the day It’s impossible to sleep.” Another voiced her anger: “There is no food, no nothing and lots of people are dying and where are the Arabs? Where are you? No one is coming to help us.” Those due to leave got on buses at dawn and headed for the Erez border crossing. According to the authorities those permitted to leave are US, Russian, Moldovan, Ukrainian, Turkish and Norwegian passport holders. Israeli armed forces remained massed on the Gaza frontier in preparation for a possible ground offensive as international calls for a ceasefire continue to be ignored.More about: Israel, Mideast

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