U.S Organises Evacuation by Ship For Americans Wanting To Leave Israel

A vessel dedicated to America’s citizens wanting to depart from Israel will depart on Monday from Haifa, the U.S. Embassy based in Israel declared on Sunday.

The boat bound for Cyprus is designed for U.S. nationals and family members with a valid travel document, the declaration specified.

On Friday, the White House and State Department declared the initiation of chartered flights for U.S. citizens departing from Israel to Frankfurt and Athens to facilitate the safe and secure departure of several thousands of U.S. citizens.

John Kirby, the White House National Security Council spokesperson, informed the reporters on the same day that the U.S. government had been examining ways to accommodate the demand for travelling out of Israel, including exploring if it is possible to help Americans leave by sea and land to boost capacity.

Monday’s boat trip from Haifa isn’t free: Those who board the vessel, like those who have been taking advantage of chartered flights, will be needed to sign a deal to repay the U.S. government for the trip cost.

Those on the ship will be responsible for arranging their accommodation and onward travel from Cyprus. If the travellers cannot secure onward travel from Cyprus, chartered flights will be arranged.

Travel to the vessel’s departure site based in Haifa is conducted at one’s own risk, and the plans could change based on the safety and security situation. The U.S. government is not able to guarantee safety, the announcement mentioned.

The embassy’s announcement said that the sea journey to Limassol would take nearly 10 –12 hours, that each traveller would be allowed to carry a 50-pound suitcase along with a carry-on bag, and that pets wouldn’t be allowed to board. WiFi and food will be offered on the vessel, the declaration mentioned. On arrival in Limassol, the buses will transport travellers to international airports in Paphos and Larnaca.

On Saturday, an embassy declaration said that the U.S. government was working on probable options for departure for U.S. citizens from Gaza – with the caveat that military conflict between Hamas and Israel is ongoing, making departure options for the citizens of the U.S. in the Strip increasingly “complex.”

References: Haaretz, Hindustan Times

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Source: Maritime Shipping News