The State Department issued an updated warning against Americans traveling to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, citing ongoing violence in the region while noting that the consulate may not be able to assist if the security situation worsens.
“Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists, and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities,” the department stated.
“Violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning.”
In Gaza, the U.S. government stated that it’s unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to Americans since U.S. employees are prohibited from traveling to the region. The Israeli military is currently carrying out large-scale military operations against Hamas in Gaza, making the security environment “extremely dangerous and volatile.”
The pedestrian crossing between Israel and Gaza, which was damaged on Oct. 7, 2023, remains closed. The pedestrian crossing between Gaza and Egypt may be closed without notice. The Gaza region also is experiencing random disruptions to internet and telecommunication services, impeding people from remaining updated on the current situation.
The State Department advised Americans who plan on traveling to Gaza to prepare for an “indefinite stay,” since pedestrian crossings can shut down at any time. It recommended that citizens have a plan for entering and exiting Gaza without involving assistance from U.S. agencies.
“If you take medication, make sure to have at least five days’ worth at any given time—if you can, we encourage enough for two weeks beyond your scheduled trip and have a copy of your prescriptions handy,” the department stated.
In Israel, the travel situation remains “unpredictable.” The department asked Americans to remain vigilant and boost their security awareness as violent incidents, including rocket fire, tend to take place often without warning. In both Israel and the West Bank, U.S. government employees are only permitted to go to certain locations.
Flight Resumption, Other Travel Advisories
Following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack in Israel, many flights from the United States were canceled.“The decision ... follows an extensive security risk assessment by the airline. Delta continues to closely monitor the situation in Israel in conjunction with government and private-sector partners,” the airline stated.
United Airlines is currently offering flights to Tel Aviv from multiple locations, including Chicago, San Francisco, and New York.
Countries such as Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen are regularly launching attacks on Israel with drones, missiles, and rockets, the advisory noted.
“These attacks can lead to air transportation disruptions due to sudden and prolonged airspace closures. Military interceptions can also cause collateral damage,” it reads.
This month, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut issued a travel advisory warning Americans not to travel to southern parts of Lebanon, the border region between Syria and Lebanon, and the refugee settlements.
Regional tensions in these places could worsen, and the Lebanese government won’t be able to “guarantee the protection of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict,” the embassy stated.
The Canadian foreign minister warned that Lebanon’s security situation has become “increasingly volatile.” If the armed conflict were to intensify, the Canadian consulate wouldn’t be able to provide consular services, the minister stated.
