NEW : State Department says Gaza erred when it rescinded scholarships . U.S. tells students it is trying to persuade Gaza to let them leave U.S. . U.S. cited Israeli travel restrictions on territory when it rescinded awards 23 . 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 . '' American spokesman indicates his country would be willing to grant visas .
NEW : State Department says Gaza erred when it rescinded scholarships . U.S. tells students it is trying to persuade Gaza to let them leave U.S. . U.S. cited Israeli travel restrictions on territory when it rescinded awards 23 . American spokesman indicates his country would be willing to grant visas .