FL State Of Emergency Aims To Clear Residents From Israel-Hamas War

FLORIDA — Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in Florida amidst the Israel-Hamas War to mobilize resources to bring Floridians stuck in the war zone back to the U.S.

Saturday’s Hamas attack on Israel killed more than 1,000 people, according to CNN. Since then, Israel declared war on the Palestinian militant group and retaliated with airstrikes on Gaza that have killed and injured thousands.

The governor’s order, signed Thursday, enables the state “to bring Floridians home and transport necessary supplies to Israel.”

There are about 20,000 Americans currently in Israel who are unable to return to the United States, the order said.

The Florida Department of Emergency Management is arranging chartered flights for Floridians needing safe transportation from Israel, the agency posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Those in need of evacuation from Israel should visit www.floridadisaster.org/israel and fill out the form.

“We will not leave our residents behind,” DeSantis posted on X. “To the many Floridians who are stuck in Israel, trying to get home — help is on the way.”

The declaration also activates the Florida National Guard and the Florida State Guard.
In addition to evacuating Floridians from the country, the state will also deliver supplies to Israel, Jeremy Redfern, press secretary for DeSantis, told the Florida Phoenix.

“This executive order allows the state of Florida to carry out logistical, rescue and evacuation operations to keep its residents safe,” Redfern said in a statement. “Specifically, this order enables the Florida Division of Emergency Management to bring Floridians home and transport necessary supplies to Israel.”

Earlier this week, DeSantis announced sanctions on Iran, which supports Hamas financially, giving the group about $100 million each year, as well as weapons and training, according to CNN.

“In Florida, we don’t capitulate to state sponsors of terrorism. We sanction them. My legislative proposal ensures Florida will not do business with companies that support terrorist groups like Hamas. I urge other states to follow Florida’s lead,” the governor wrote on X.