(ConservativeJournal.org) – The Biden administration’s John Kirby told reporters during an October 12 briefing that evacuation flights for U.S. citizens out of Israel would begin the following day. According to the National Security Council official, the charter flights in question would leave Israel and head to various destinations in Europe. American citizens and the immediate family members of those citizens would be permitted to board.
In referencing the words of President Biden, Kirby said that the Commander-in-Chief had tasked the State Department with ensuring that American citizens “who do want” a way out of Israel will have “a safe means” available to them. According to sources who are familiar with the evacuation plans, a minimum of four chartered flights out will be departing each day.
Kirby said the U.S. government-sponsored flights will be set aside for those who “for whatever reason” have “been” unable to access “commercial transit” options “out of” Israel. The administration official also indicated that the White House was “exploring other options” that would increase the scope of evacuation efforts. Routes out of the Jewish State “by sea” and “by land” were also being reviewed, he said.
Commercial flights into and out of Tel Aviv have largely come to a standstill in the aftermath of Hamas’ October 7 terrorist incursion into the country that saw the execution of around 1,300 Israeli civilians. As of October 10, more than 40 airlines had canceled all flights to and from Israel. In the days that followed, the number only increased.
Most outlets put the current number of Americans killed in the attack at 27. An unknown number of U.S. citizens were reportedly taken hostage by Hamas and then trafficked back across the Gaza border. According to officials, 14 Americans are still unaccounted for.
Elite “tier 1” units like Delta Force and Seal Team 6 have reportedly been placed on standby for possible hostage rescue missions inside Gaza proper.
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