Israel's Consul General for Florida and Puerto Rico addressed a packed house at a synagogue in Tampa Tuesday night.
He was attending a Solidarity Service as the congregation prayed for peace in the Middle East.
"Over the past two weeks, rockets have been fired at Israel's cities. Every government has a right and a responsibility to protect its citizens. That's what Israel is doing in the best way it can, trying to reduce the damage and death toll in the Palestinian community," said Chaim Shacham, Consul General.
Scacham also spoke about the new travel ban. The FAA announced a decision on Tuesday to prohibit U.S. airlines from flying into an airport in Tel Aviv. Scacham said Israel's own national airline continues to fly.
"We believe that it's safe and we've already had missiles and rockets coming into Israel for two to three weeks. This is the first time they closed down air traffic so it's been safe all along," he said.
Laureen Galoto attended the service. She just returned to Tampa from a missionary trip to Israel earlier this month. Galoto said she did hear warning sirens when she was there but she said she wouldn't hesitate to return.
"We're resolute. It doesn't mean it's not frightening, it doesn't mean it's not taxing, it's not stressful but there's a comfort in being with other people in the same situation as you who are also calm and everybody is looking for ways we can all save lives," said Galoto.
While the Israeli supporters held their service, Tampa Bay area residents who support Palestine are holding firm in their beliefs, as well.
They call it a siege on Gaza.
"What the people of Gaza need right now is they need the siege to end. They need to have fair access to economic development, to humanitarian aid, to their own seaport. They are fenced in to the north, east and south by border security and they have a shore they're not allowed access to," said Laila Abdelaziz.
As peace talks continue, people on both sides living here in the Tampa Bay area said they'll continue to follow the developments closely.