The White House announced on Friday that the first charter flight organized by the US State Department to transport Americans from Israel during the Gaza conflict has left Tel Aviv and is now on its way to an undisclosed location in Europe.

White House spokesman John Kirby told reporters: “We are pleased to announce that the first charter flight organized by the State Department has left Israel and is now on its way to Europe.”

“We expect more flights to depart in the coming days,” Kirby added. The State Department will continue to organize these charter flights as long as there is a request from American citizens for assistance in departure.”