White House readies evacuation flights for U.S. citizens in Israel.
The U.S. to Begin Evacuation Flights for Americans in Israel Amidst Rising Death Toll
The United States will soon initiate evacuation charter flights for American citizens in Israel as the number of Americans killed in Hamas’ terrorist attacks continues to rise.
During a press briefing on Thursday, John Kirby, the spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, announced that evacuation operations would commence on October 13. These flights will transport American citizens and their immediate families from Israel to various locations in Europe.
“The president has instructed his team to ensure the safe departure of U.S. citizens who wish to leave Israel,” Kirby stated.
Sources familiar with the matter have informed The Associated Press that the U.S. plans to send at least four charter flights daily.
“We are working on the details to assist U.S. citizens and their immediate family members who have been unable to secure commercial transportation out of the country,” Kirby added. “Furthermore, we are exploring additional options to expand our capacity, including the possibility of land and sea evacuations.”
Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israel last Saturday, resulting in the deaths of over 1,300 people, including 27 Americans, and leaving approximately 3,000 others injured. Reports indicate that 14 Americans are still unaccounted for.
“Regrettably, five more families have received the devastating news that no family should ever have to hear. We will remain in contact with them as necessary,” Kirby expressed. “The same applies to the families of those who are still unaccounted for. We genuinely do not know their whereabouts.”
The White House has confirmed that a “handful” of Americans in the region have been taken hostage by Hamas terrorists.
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“We will, of course, maintain communication with them as well,” Kirby assured. “Additionally, we are actively collaborating with Israeli officials to gather as much information as possible, which we will share with them.”
According to U.S. officials, there are an estimated 160,000 to 170,000 Americans residing in Israel, with an additional 500 to 600 in Gaza.
On Wednesday, a spokesperson from the State Department informed Forbes that various options, including air, land, and sea evacuations to neighboring countries, were being explored due to the high demand for flights.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Israel on Thursday to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the affected citizens.
While viewing images depicting the victims of the Hamas attack, Blinken remarked, “Sometimes, images speak louder than words. These images may speak volumes.”
“Finding the right words is difficult. It surpasses anything anyone could ever imagine, let alone experience,” he shared at a press conference in Israel, as reported by ABC News. “An infant, pierced by bullets. Soldiers beheaded. Young individuals burned alive. The list goes on, but it is simply the epitome of depravity.”
Blinken was accompanied by Steve Gillen, the deputy special representative for hostage affairs, who will remain in Israel to assist in the rescue efforts for the hostages.
While U.S. officials have not released the identities of the missing or deceased Americans, the New York Times reported that among them are a mother and daughter from the greater Chicago area, a recent high school graduate from Long Island, and a young adult who was among the 260 individuals killed at the Supernova all-night outdoor music festival, also known as a peace party, near Kibbutz Re’im close to the Gaza Strip on Saturday morning.
How many Americans have been affected by the ongoing conflict in Israel, and what steps are being taken to locate those who are unaccounted for?
Cans-after-rising-death-toll/?sh=d0ccbf04b173″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>revealed that the U.S. government is working closely with Israeli authorities to facilitate the safe evacuation of American citizens. They emphasized the priority placed on the safety and well-being of U.S. citizens in the region.
The decision to initiate evacuation flights comes as the death toll continues to rise in Israel due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The terrorist group launched a brutal attack last week, resulting in the deaths of over 1,300 people, including 27 Americans. Thousands of others have been injured, and there are still 14 Americans unaccounted for.
John Kirby, the spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, assured the public that President Biden has instructed his team to ensure the safe departure of U.S. citizens who wish to leave Israel. The evacuation operations are set to begin on October 13 and will transport American citizens and their immediate families to various locations in Europe. The U.S. plans to send at least four charter flights daily to facilitate the evacuation.
While the primary focus is on air evacuations, the U.S. government is also exploring additional options, including the possibility of land and sea evacuations. The goal is to assist U.S. citizens and their immediate family members who have been unable to secure commercial transportation out of the country.
The White House has confirmed that a “handful” of Americans in the region have been taken hostage by Hamas terrorists. The U.S. government assures that they will maintain communication with the hostages and work closely with Israeli officials to gather as much information as possible.
It is estimated that there are currently 160,000 to 170,000 Americans residing in Israel, with an additional 500 to 600 in Gaza. The U.S. government is committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens and will continue to provide support and assistance during this challenging time.
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