Title: Pilot Program Allowing Palestinian-Americans to Fly from Israel Expands to Include Gaza Residents
Date: 07/08/23
A new development has been made in the pilot program allowing Palestinians with American citizenship to fly from Israel. Following the approval given to Palestinian-Americans residing in the West Bank, the program will now be extended to include residents of Gaza as well. With this expansion, it is anticipated that Israelis will be able to enter the US without a visa from November of this year.
The pilot program, which commenced on July 20, initially enabled Palestinians living in the West Bank to fly from there. Now, Egyptians living in Gaza who have received security clearance from Israeli authorities will be able to travel by shuttle to Yosh and then proceed to Jordan to board a flight. This new phase of the program, implemented under American pressure, will allow residents of Gaza to obtain a special visa which will permit them to enter Israel and fly from a designated third route. The implementation of this phase is slated to begin no later than September 15.
According to Gil Beringer, the individual responsible for visa exemption on behalf of Israel, there are an estimated 100 to 130 Palestinians from Gaza who also hold American citizenship. However, American officials have estimated the number to be several hundreds. Beringer explained that the discrepancy in estimates stems from the fact that not every American citizen classified as a resident of Gaza actually lives there.
Beringer also expressed confidence that Israel will meet all the necessary criteria in order to facilitate visa exemption by the deadline of September 30. As a result, he estimates that Israelis will be able to enter the US without a visa starting November of this year.
This significant development in the pilot program marks a milestone on the path towards visa exemption for Israelis traveling to the US. The program aims to enhance travel opportunities and strengthen connections between the two nations.