In a devastating massacre orchestrated by the Palestinian terror group Hamas, dozens of foreigners have been killed, injured, or taken hostage, while approximately 1,000 individuals lost their lives in Israel. The situation has escalated into a full-blown conflict, with Gaza being a focal point.
A large group of missing foreigners had been attending an electronic music festival in the southern Israeli desert, where Gaza gunmen ruthlessly attacked, resulting in at least 260 revelers falling victim to the violence.
The war ignited when Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel and perpetrated mass killings in various border towns, with around 1,500 gunmen breaching the Gaza Strip’s border fence and unleashing hours of terror.
The death toll in Israel has tragically reached 1,000, with over 500 people hospitalized, many facing life-threatening injuries. Moreover, about 150 individuals have been abducted and taken into Gaza. In retaliation, Hamas launched over 5,000 rockets at Israel, causing more casualties and injuries in southern and central areas.
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported over 700 deaths due to Israeli strikes. Israel, on the other hand, claims to target terrorist infrastructure and areas where Hamas operates or seeks refuge.
Foreign nationals from various countries were profoundly affected by the Hamas attack:
United States: At least 11 US citizens have been confirmed dead, and there is a likelihood that Americans are among those held captive by Hamas. President Joe Biden expressed his sorrow over the American casualties.
Thailand: Eighteen Thai nationals lost their lives, nine sustained injuries, and 11 were taken captive.
Nepal: Ten Nepalese citizens were killed, with four others hospitalized, and a fifth person remains missing.
France: Eight French nationals have perished, and the death toll is expected to rise. Additionally, 20 individuals are still unaccounted for.
Argentina: Seven Argentinian citizens were killed, and 15 more are missing.
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Russia: At least four Russian-Israelis were reported dead, and six are currently missing.
Ukraine: Two Ukrainian women, who had resided in Israel for years, were killed.
United Kingdom: Two British men have been confirmed deceased. A “significant number” of British-Israeli dual nationals are involved in the conflict, with one British-Israeli citizen working as a security guard at the music festival missing.
Canada: One Canadian has been reported dead, and three others are missing.
Cambodia: One Cambodian student was killed.
Germany: Several dual German-Israeli nationals were kidnapped, as confirmed by a German foreign ministry source.
Philippines: Five Filipino citizens remain unaccounted for, with one potentially abducted.
Chile: Three Israelis of Chilean origin lost their lives, and one is missing.
Peru: Two Peruvian nationals were killed, and three are missing.
Austria: Three dual Austrian-Israeli nationals staying in the south of Israel could be among those abducted.
Brazil: One Brazilian-Israeli citizen was confirmed dead, while it remains unclear if they are among the three missing dual Brazilian-Israeli nationals.
Italy: Two Israeli-Italians are currently missing, with no information available about their whereabouts.
Paraguay: Two Paraguayan nationals, who had been living in Israel, are unaccounted for.
Sri Lanka: Two nationals, a 48-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman, are missing.
Tanzania: Two Tanzanian nationals are reported missing.
Mexico: Two Mexicans, one man and one woman, have been taken hostage.
Colombia: Two Colombians who were at the Supernova festival are missing, and the Colombian government is assisting in locating them.
Ireland: An Irish-Israeli woman has been confirmed missing by the Irish government.
The situation is marked by immense tragedy, with families and governments frantically searching for their loved ones and grappling with the grim aftermath of the violence.