Speaking during a public event in Philadelphia, the president said that the majority of the Palestinian people have nothing to do with Hamas, and said that these people also suffer because of the actions of the militant organization.
Tens of thousands of American citizens contacted the American authorities in Israel to request assistance in leaving the country
– The US State Department announced on Friday in Washington.
According to a ministry spokesman, more than 20,000 people have applied, but he did not give specific numbers, referring to the “constantly changing” situation. He added, however,
The Ministry notifies all citizens who have expressed their desire to leave the country.
John Kirby, communications coordinator for the White House National Security Council, announced the departure of the first government-organized charter plane on Friday, but did not provide details.
Aviation sources told CNN that about thirty flights will begin next week, most of them between Tel Aviv and Athens, and some of them will transport American citizens who wish to leave Israel to Sofia. Major US airlines announced on Friday that they will launch additional flights from Athens to destinations in the United States.
Demonstrations also began abroad
On Friday in New York, with an increased police presence, hundreds of people participated in a pro-Hamas demonstration announced by the former leader of Hamas. The event was mostly peaceful.
As a precaution, the New York City Police Department summoned all its officers on duty and closed several streets to secure the demonstration. Demonstrators also took to the streets in the large city neighboring Israel.
Demonstrations were also organized in several other cities in the United States in support of the Palestinians and Israel.
In Chicago, the City Council on Friday passed a resolution regarding its support for Israel, while anti-Israel demonstrators who disrupted the matter had to be removed from the meeting room.
