Following the Hamas attacks that began over the weekend, the US Department of State has raised its travel advisory for Israel to “Level 3,” recommending that American citizens reassess their travel plans.
As CNN explains, the agency released a statement on Wednesday, October 11, noting that the heightened advisory level pertains to both Israel and the West Bank region. At the same time, the travel advisory for Gaza remains at Level 4, signifying a “Do Not Travel” warning, VisaGuide.World reports.
“Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza without warning,” the US Department of State pointed out.
In addition, the authority noted that commercial flights from Ben Gurion Airport continue to have limited availability. To assist US citizens, the US government is coordinating charter flight options and strongly encourages those wishing to depart to use these charter services while they are accessible.
According to the same, departure flights are continuously scheduled from Ben Gurion International Airport on Monday, October 16, and Tuesday, October 17.
It also emphasized that individuals should verify flight availability and stay informed about flight status by contacting airlines. For US citizens stationed in Gaza who wish to leave and can do so safely, it is recommended to monitor the status of the Rafah Crossing in Egypt.
Similarly to the US, the UK government has also warned its citizens about traveling to Israel.
In this regard, the government advised all citizens located in the occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza, to register their presence at the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office).
The FCDO continues to advise against travel to parts of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and against all but essential travel to all other parts, including the Rafah crossing in Egypt.
In response to the conflict with Hamas, the UK government also announced plans to organize flights to repatriate its citizens from Israel. They have instructed the families of their diplomats to leave the region.
The first evacuation flight is scheduled to depart from Tel Aviv on Thursday, and additional flights will be organized in the coming days, depending on the security situation. The Foreign Office stressed that vulnerable British nationals would be given priority for evacuation flights.