(Recasts with Israeli confirmation) GAZA, Jan 1 (Reuters) - Israel will allow 443 foreigners living in the Gaza Strip to leave on Friday, a defence official said on Thursday as Israeli forces attacked the Hamas-controlled territory for a sixth day. Many of the resident foreigners are spouses of Gaza Palestinians and their children, and by enabling their departure through its border Israel could be signalling preparations for an escalation in the fighting. Peter Lerner, an Israeli military liaison, said the foreigners include U.S., Russian, Moldovan, Ukrainian, Turkish and Norwegian passport-holders. Erez border crossing would be open to them on Friday morning, Lerner said, adding, "From experience we know that not all foreigners leave in such situations." (Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Louise Ireland)
Qataris and Palestinians chant slogans against Israel during a protest over the recent Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, at the Qatar Sports Club in Doha, January 1, 2009. REUTERS/Fadi Al-Assaad ...
Egypt
