NEW : State Department says U.S. apologized when it rescinded scholarships . U.S. tells students it is trying to convince Israel to let them leave Gaza . The scholarships allow U.S. citizens and foreign nationals to study and teach abroad to promote the `` mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries of the world . '' U.S. cited Israeli travel restrictions on territory when it rescinded awards last year . Israeli spokesman indicates his country may be willing to grant scholarships .
NEW : State Department says U.S. apologized when it rescinded scholarships . U.S. tells students it is trying to convince Israel to let them leave Gaza . U.S. cited Israeli travel restrictions on territory when it rescinded awards last year . Israeli spokesman indicates his country may be willing to grant scholarships .