US allows diplomats’ families to leave Israel amid Palestinian conflict

By Mustafa Deveci

ANKARA (AA) - The US State Department reportedly granted permission for non-essential personnel and families of diplomats working at the US Embassy in Israel to leave Saturday because of the current conflict with Palestinian groups, according to Israel media.

An unnamed embassy spokesperson clarified to the Times of Israel newspaper that the embassy will remain open and will continue diplomatic interactions.

Israeli forces launched a sustained and forceful military campaign against the Gaza Strip a week ago in response to a military offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas in Israeli territories.

The conflict began last Saturday when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea and air.

Hamas said the operation was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers’ growing violence against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.

That response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.

More than 3,500 people have been killed since the outbreak of the conflict on Oct. 7, including 2,215 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas