The first U.S. charter flight to evacuate Americans from Israel has departed the country and is now en route to Europe, John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, told reporters on Friday. Kirby didn’t provide the exact destination in Europe.

He said more flights are expected to depart "in the coming days" and that "the State Department will continue to organize these charter flights for as long as there is a demand from US citizens for departure assistance."

He said the U.S. is still exploring "other options" to expand evacuation capacity, which also includes an option by sea.

Kirby also spoke to the heightened alert across the U.S.

"I want to be completely and crystal clear on one thing: At this time, none of our intelligence agencies have any specific intelligence indicating a threat to the United States stemming from the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel," Kirby stressed.

3:19

US police departments brace for potential violence during 'Day of Rage'

ABC News contributor and former FBI agent Brad Garrett joins ABC News Live anchor Diane Macedo to break down how law enforcement is ramping up security.

-ABC News' Justin Gomez

Israeli special forces have been inside Gaza over the last few days trying to locate hostages, according to an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson.

"Infantry and armored forces searched and gathered in the area for findings that may help in the effort to locate the missing and thwarted terrorist infrastructure and terrorist cells found in the area, among which a cell of the terrorist organization Hamas fired anti-tank fire at Israeli territory," the IDF said. Israel's air force is continuing its attacks on Hamas in Gaza, the IDF said.

Israel said its alerted 120 families that their loved ones are held in Gaza.

Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah was killed while providing a live signal in southern Lebanon, Reuters said.

"We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, and supporting Issam’s family and colleagues," Reuters said. "Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time."

Two other Reuters journalists were injured.

President Joe Biden on Friday morning spoke with family members of the 14 Americans who remain unaccounted for after the attack in Israel, according to the White House.

1:54

Day 7 of the war in Israel

ABC News foreign correspondent James Longman reflects on the past week covering Israel's war with Hamas

-ABC News' Molly Nagle