Hamas holding 22 foreigners hostage

Despite the fact that Israel is keeping the Erez crossing point into Gaza open, Hamas is refusing to allow 22 foreigners who wish to do so to exit from Gaza into Israel, according to Israel's Foreign Ministry (Hat Tip: Twitchy via Bad Blue).

Hamas is not allowing at least 22 foreign nationals who wish to exit the Gaza Strip for Israel to do so. Among the foreigners being detained are nine Italian citizens, one Canadian, one South Korean, a French national and six journalists from Japan. In addition, two Turkish Red Crescent members have been refused exit.

This violation of the human rights of neutral foreigners is yet another example of Hamas’ attempts to manipulate and pressure the press.

For its part, Israel is keeping the Erez crossing into Gaza open, allowing passage to the foreign press, diplomats and humanitarian workers.

I sure hope they let Jodi Rudoren and Harriet Sherwood out of there when they decide they want to leave. 

The picture at the top is the inside of the Erez crossing point.