U.S. Citizens Evacuated from Israel Amid Escalating Conflict: A Rescue Operation in Tampa

By Blanca Escriche

Tampa, US, (EFE) – Nearly 160 United States citizens landed Tuesday at Tampa International Airport after evacuating from Israel amid intensifying conflict and missile attacks linked to Iran. The operation was part of a broader rescue effort that has already brought close to 2,000 people back to the United States.

Tampa Welcomes Home Nearly 160 Evacuated Americans Amid Escalating Conflict in Israel

By Blanca Escriche

TAMPA, FL — In a dramatic rescue operation, nearly 160 U.S. citizens landed at Tampa International Airport on Tuesday after being evacuated from Israel, where escalating conflict and missile attacks linked to Iran have created a perilous situation. This flight is part of a larger effort that has successfully brought close to 2,000 people back to the United States.

Among the evacuees was Rachel Ghermiziam, a young student who had traveled to Israel with friends. As she emerged from the arrival gates, she was met with cheers, balloons, and signs reading “Welcome back home.”

“I got really nervous because the alarms kept going off,” Rachel admitted, her relief palpable after the charter flight landed safely at 9:52 a.m. local time.

Florida Takes the Lead

The group, which included Florida State Senator Jay Collins, traveled from Israel to Cyprus before boarding a chartered Omni Air International flight to Tampa. The evacuation was coordinated by the nonprofit Grey Bull Rescue Foundation (GBRF), with logistical and financial backing from Florida’s state government.

“Today we helped another 160 Americans get home,” said Olivia Loughran, GBRF coordinator. “This is the fifth evacuation flight we’ve carried out so far, all arriving through Tampa with help from the state.”

Senator Collins praised Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis for spearheading the response. “The other 49 states haven’t taken a single step,” Collins stated. “Florida showed what real leadership looks like.”

Under Fire During Evacuation

The evacuation was fraught with danger, as a missile strike linked to Iran forced many passengers into shelters during the rescue process.

“People’s lives were truly at risk,” Collins recounted, describing how the group had to take cover during a large-scale air assault in Cyprus. “But we didn’t give up. We had to do the right thing, no matter how hard, and that’s exactly what Florida did.”

Loughran commended the passengers’ resilience, calling it an “incredible display of composure and patience” amid chaotic conditions.

“Those were difficult moments,” said Mariano Pérez, who had traveled to Israel with his family just days before the conflict escalated. “But we’re grateful to be back home.” Pérez also voiced support for Donald Trump’s stance on the crisis, emphasizing the importance of protecting Israel and American values.

Flights Continue as Tensions Escalate in Israel

The evacuation efforts remain active as tensions in the region continue to rise. Following a weekend of heightened conflict, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced on social media that the State Department had initiated assisted departure flights. Since then, five charters carrying U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate relatives have arrived in Florida.

As the security situation deteriorates, GBRF officials confirm that more flights are on the way. The Trump administration has raised the travel advisory for Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank to Level 4, urging U.S. citizens to avoid travel due to the risks of “armed conflict, terrorism, and civil unrest.”

As Tampa welcomes home its citizens, the ongoing crisis in the Middle East continues to unfold, leaving many anxiously awaiting the next steps in this rapidly evolving situation.