gaza travel advisory

Update April 12, 2024

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Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Travel Advisory

Travel advisory april 11, 2024, see individual summaries.

Updated with information on travel restrictions for U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility. 

Do Not Travel To :

• Gaza due to  terrorism and  armed conflict

Reconsider Travel To :

• Israel due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest
• West Bank due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest

Country Summary:  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. Violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning.

Some areas have increased risk. Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza. 

Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Check the most recent Alerts at the  Embassy  website for the latest information on travel in all of these areas.  
• Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces. 
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds. 
• Follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials. 
• Beware of and report suspicious activities, including unattended items, to local police. 
• Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter. Download the Home Front Command Red Alert application for mobile devices (available on devices within Israel) to receive real time alerts for rocket attacks. 
• Obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation prior to travel. Most travel insurance packages do not cover mental health related illnesses/care.  
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.  
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Gaza – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to  terrorism and  armed conflict .

The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are conducting large-scale military operations in Gaza against Hamas, a U.S. government-designated foreign terrorist organization, which was responsible for the October 7 attack on Israel. As a result of the armed conflict, the security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile. The pedestrian crossing between Gaza and Israel was damaged on October 7 and remains closed, and the pedestrian crossing between Egypt and Gaza may close without advance notice depending on the security situation. There are sporadic telecommunication and internet outages within Gaza further inhibiting the ability of residents to obtain information. 

Visit our website for  Travel to High Risk Areas .  

If you decide to travel to Gaza:

• Be prepared for an indefinite stay as the crossings between Gaza with Israel and Egypt can close without advance notice and for long periods during times of unrest and armed conflict.
• Have a plan for entering and departing Gaza that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Households with infants and young children should plan for food and supplies, such as diapers and wipes, formula or baby food, and a change of clothing.
• 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.
• If you use assistive or medical devices that require a power supply, be sure to find backup power or other ways that will sustain your device or equipment during a power outage.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.

Please be sure to visit our website for How to Prepare for a Crisis for information that may be helpful. 

Israel – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to  terrorism and civil unrest .

The security situation remains unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, often take place without warning.

U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel to the following locations:

• Within seven miles of the Gaza demarcation line, as well as the cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon;
• Within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders; and
• Within 1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border.

Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

West Bank – Reconsider Travel

U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from all personal travel to the West Bank, except:

• U.S. government employees can use Routes 1, 90, and 443 at any time. 
• U.S. government employees are permitted personal travel to Jericho. 
• U.S. government employees are permitted daylight travel to: Inn of the Good Samaritan, An-Nabi Musa, Wadi Qelt Nature Preserve, and St. George’s Monastery along Route 1; and Qumran, Kalia Beach, St. Gerasimos/Khogla Monastery, Al Auju, and Qasr al-Yaud baptismal site along Route 90. 

Over the past few months, there has been an increase in settler violence, Israeli military operations, and terrorist attacks.

Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

Visit our website for  Travel to High Risk Areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

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U.S. Issues Updated Travel Advisory for Israel, Gaza, and West Bank

The U.S Department of State warned Americans to "reconsider travel" to Israel.

The U.S. Department of State warned Americans to reconsider travel to Israel in an updated advisory on Thursday amid the ongoing conflict.

The warning was issued days after Hamas — labeled a foreign terrorist organizatio n by the State Department — invaded Israel’s borders. Israel has since launched retaliatory rocket strikes and started preparing a possible ground assault on the Gaza Strip, The Associated Press reported , as Hamas continues to fire thousands of its own rockets into Israel.

Chen Junqing/Getty Images

The State Department also recommended Americans “do not travel” to the Gaza Strip and “reconsider travel” to the West Bank. 

“The situation in Israel remains dynamic; mortar and rocket fire may take place without warning,” the State Department wrote in an updated advisory on Thursday. “Individuals should follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials.”

AHMAD GHARABLI/Getty Images

The State Department said U.S. citizens in Israel can contact the U.S. Embassy there by calling 03-519-7426. U.S. citizens outside of Israel hoping to get in contact with the embassy can either fill out a crisis intake form online or call 1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131.

The Israel Ministry of Tourism told Travel + Leisure in a statement it was “deeply saddened by the events that took place at our southern border with Gaza” and said it was “working to assist those who wish to depart from Israel.” Travelers in Israel were advised to dial 104 for information or contact the Home Front Command on WhatsApp or by SMS at +972 52 910 4104.

ZAIN JAAFAR/Getty Images

The State Department said travelers who decide to head to Israel, the West Bank, or Gaza should “maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times,” and identify the “location of the nearest bomb shelter.” Travelers should also enroll in the  department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier for the government to locate them in an emergency. 

The State Department warning comes as several airlines and cruise lines have canceled flights and diverted ships away from Israel , including major U.S. carriers Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines. Several international airlines have also suspended flights, like Air France, British Airways, and the Lufthansa Group.

Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport remains open .

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• International

October 11, 2023 - Israel-Hamas war news

By Kathleen Magramo , Adam Renton, Christian Edwards, Peter Wilkinson , Aditi Sangal , Dakin Andone , Leinz Vales , Steve Almasy, Elise Hammond , Tori B. Powell , Kaanita Iyer and Maureen Chowdhury , CNN

US State Department warns Americans to reconsider travel to Israel

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

The US State Department is warning Americans to reconsider travel to Israel in the wake of the weekend’s deadly Hamas attacks.

The agency raised its travel advisory level on Wednesday  to "Level 3: Reconsider Travel " due to civil unrest and terrorism, advising that “the situation in Israel remains dynamic; mortar and rocket fire may take place without warning.”

“Individuals should follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials,” an  updated travel advisory  said.

“While Ben Gurion International Airport remains open, we are aware that several major airlines have announced that they have suspended flights,” the advisory states. “Please check with the airlines on the availability of flights and flight status. U.S. citizens in Gaza who wish to leave and can do so safely are advised to check the status of the Rafah Crossing into Egypt.”

The travel advisory for the West Bank has also been raised to level 3, while the advisory for Gaza remains at the most severe – "Level 4: Do Not Travel."

Biden offers warning to Iran to "be careful" following Hamas' attack on Israel

From CNN's Donald Judd

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday issued a stark warning to Iran to “be careful” around its actions in the region following Hamas’ attack on Israel.

During a roundtable roundtable with Jewish community leaders on the administration’s efforts to provide support for Israel, Biden stressed the assistance that the US is providing, adding that he's been frequently speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The US is "surging additional military assistance to the Israeli Defense Force including ammunition, interceptors to replenish the Iron Dome, we moved the US carrier fleet to the eastern Mediterranean and are sending more fighter jets there, to that region, and made it clear, made it clear to the Iranians – be careful," Biden said.

In his remarks, Biden also addressed reports of the atrocities committed by Hamas.

“It matters that Americans see what's happening – I mean, I have been doing this a long time, I never really thought that I would see it and have confirmed pictures of terrorist beheading children," Biden said.

Biden pledged the full force of his administration’s commitment to rescuing hostages in Hamas custody, telling the group that while “we're working on every aspect of the hostage crisis in Israel,” if he relayed in detail what steps the administration was taking, “I wouldn’t be able to get them home.” 

“Folks, there's a lot we're doing -- a lot we're doing, I have not given up hope of bringing these folks home,” he said. “But the idea that I'm going to stand here before you and tell you what I'm doing is bizarre, so I hope you understand how bizarre I think it would be to try to answer that question.” 

Some context on Iran: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi spoke to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh by phone on Sunday and later congratulated the Palestinian people for their “victory” over Israel.

On Monday, however, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said that the Islamic Republic was “not involved in Palestine’s response,” referring to the Hamas attack. “It is taken solely by Palestine itself,” it said.

Israel says Iran supports Hamas to the tune of some $100 million a year. The  US State Department in 2021  said that the group receives funding, weapons, and training from Iran, as well as some funds that are raised in Gulf Arab countries.

The United States has collected specific intelligence that suggests senior Iranian government officials were caught by surprise by  Saturday’s attack , according to multiple sources familiar with the intelligence.

The existence of the intelligence has cast doubt on the idea that Iran was directly involved in the planning, resourcing or approving of the operation,  the sources said .

Note : After President Biden’s remarks Wednesday, an administration official told CNN neither Biden nor the administration have seen pictures or confirmed reports of children or infants beheaded by Hamas. The official clarified that the president’s remarks were referring to public comments from media outlets and Israeli officials.

Federal agencies warn of potential safety concerns in US in wake of attacks in Israel

From CNN's Holmes Lybrand

Federal agencies are warning of the potential of attacks in the US following Hamas’s assault on Israel, citing the pervasiveness of antisemitism in violent extremist groups.

The FBI along with the Department of Homeland Security issued a public service announcement saying that while there is no current intelligence suggesting a planned domestic attack, the potential for such attacks remains a concern.  

“Foreign terrorist organizations and their supporters remain committed to attacking the United States within and beyond our borders,” the PSA said. “In recent years, there have been several events and incidents in the United States that were purportedly motivated, at least in part, by the conflict between Israel and HAMAS. These have included the targeting of individuals, houses of worship, and institutions associated with the Jewish and Muslim faiths with acts of physical assault, vandalism, or harassment," it added. 

The FBI and DHS also noted that antisemitism "serves as a primary driver for attacks by a diverse set of violent extremists" who threaten Jewish communities in the US and across the world.

According to the FBI, terrorist organizations abroad have used previous conflicts between Hamas and Israel “to call on their supporters located in the United States to conduct attacks.”

“Some violent extremists have used times of heightened tensions to incite violence against religious minorities, targeting both Jewish and Muslim Americans,” the PSA said.

Gantz says formation of Israel's war cabinet is a "clear message to our enemies"

From CNN's Radina Gigova

Benny Gantz, a former defense minister who joined Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and current defense minister Yoav Gallant in a "war management cabinet," said Wednesday that the three men standing together is a "clear message to our enemies."

"The state of Israel is at its most difficult hours. These are faithful days," Gantz said during a televised address. "At this time, there is only one camp, one group -- the camp of the nation of Israel."

He added that "now is the time for bravery."

"Our friends, our families were killed and taken hostages by a cruel enemy. An enemy that should be annihilated with all means necessary," Gantz said. 

The emergency government and war cabinet were announced earlier Wednesday. The government will not pass any laws or make any decisions that do not concern the conduct of the war, the announcement said.

Saudi Arabia making "unremitting efforts" to stop escalation following Hamas attacks, crown prince says

From CNN's Mohammed Tawfeeq

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said Saudi Arabia "is making unremitting efforts" to stop the escalation in fighting following Hamas' assault on Israel, according to Saudi state-run SPA news. 

The crown prince affirmed, in a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Wednesday:

"The Kingdom's position of rejecting targeting civilians in any way and taking the lives of innocent people, stressing the need to observe the principles of international humanitarian law," SPA said.

Hamas official in Lebanon claims militant group prepared for attack for 2 years

From CNN's Tamara Qiblawi and Jen Deaton

A senior Hamas official based in Lebanon said militants had been preparing for the attack on Israel for two years, according to an edited interview with Russia Today’s Arabic-news channel RTArabic published on its website a day after the attack.

“We manufactured a lot," said Ali Baraka, head of Hamas National Relations Abroad. "We have local factories for everything."

The factories can make different rockets with maximum ranges from 10 to 250 kilometers, and they can make mortars and mortar shells, he said.

They also produced firearms.

"We have factories for Kalashnikovs and their bullets. We’re manufacturing the bullets with permission from the Russians. We’re building it in Gaza.”

“None of our factions," and “even our allies did not know about the zero hour” of the attack in order to “preserve the secrecy of the battle,” Baraka claimed.

Half an hour after the attack, “the Palestinian resistance factions were contacted, in addition to our allies Hezbollah and Iran,” he said. Hamas also notified Turkey, he said.

Baraka made no mention of any outside involvement in the planning of the attack, saying only that the allies of Hamas “support us with weapons and money. First and foremost, it is Iran that gives us money and weapons. Also Hezbollah.”

Russia inquired about the attack afterward, Baraka said.

“They were updated about our situation and the goals of the battle,” Baraka said.

He also said Moscow was happy for the United States to be distracted by the Israel-Hamas conflict instead of the war in Ukraine.

“Even Russia sympathizes with us. Even the Russians sent us messages (Saturday) morning. There is sympathy. It is happy for America to be embroiled in Palestine. It lessens the pressure on it in Ukraine. One battle eases the other battle. So therefore we are not alone in the battlefield.”

Baraka said that among the goals of Hamas is the release of Palestinian prisoners in the United States.

“We have Hamas members sentenced to life in prison in the US,” he said. “We call on the US to free our sons in their prisons. The US does prisoner swaps. It recently did one with Iran. Why doesn’t it do a prisoner swap with us?”

Context: Baraka is a Hamas political official based in Lebanon. Palestinian factions in Lebanon are not always tightly coordinated with their counterparts in Gaza and the West Bank in part because of severe restrictions on travel on both ends, as well the hollowing out of Palestinian politics in Lebanon starting in 1982. The majority of Palestinians in Lebanon have never been to Palestinian territories. 

27-year-old Israeli-American killed was passionate about protecting his country, family says

From CNN's Allison Gordon and Deborah Doft

Aryeh Shlomo Ziering, a 27-year-old dual Israeli-American citizen, was killed in Israel, his aunt Debby Ziering confirmed.

He was a captain in the Israel Defense Forces’ dog-handling unit.  

Ziering’s parents are from New York and Maine. They moved to Israel after getting married. Although he was born and raised in Israel, Ziering attended summer camp in the United States and grew up speaking English with his parents, his aunt said. 

Debby Ziering also told CNN that Aryeh grew up not wanting to be a soldier, but “when my nephew does something, he does it 200%. And he was very passionate about protecting his country.”

He was a “fun-loving, athletic, great kid.”

At least 13 Latin American citizens dead as several countries begin evacuating citizens from Israel 

From CNN's Abel Alvarado and Heather Law

At least 13 Latin American citizens have been killed in Israel following Hamas' surprise attack on Saturday.  

Colombia's government announced Wednesday the death of a Colombian-Israeli woman who had been missing since Saturday.  

In addition, seven Argentines, two Peruvians, two nationals from Brazil, and one person from Chile have been reported killed after the attacks.

At least 20 more Latin American citizens are missing, with people from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Paraguay, and Colombia.  

Several Latin American countries have also begun evacuating their citizens.  

Mexico's Foreign Affairs Ministry announced Wednesday on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the first plane carrying 135 Mexican evacuees is en route to its capital.  

In Brazil, the first repatriation flight with 211 passengers landed in Brasilia early Wednesday. A second flight carrying 214 people took off shortly after midday, Brazilian time, from Tel Aviv. Additional flights are expected to fly to Tel Aviv until Sunday.   

Chile has evacuated 209 of its citizens on three flights, according to the country's Foreign Ministry.  

Peru's government reported on X that 16 nationals have been flown out of Israel, and 131 of them are expected to leave in the "next upcoming days." Authorities also informed on Wednesday that a woman who was reported missing had been located and is safe.  

Turkey working to deliver aid to civilians affected by Israel-Hamas conflict, Erdogan says

From CNN's Pierre Meilhan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants his country to work on delivering humanitarian aid to civilians affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict, his office said Wednesday.

Erdogan made the comments during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and “stressed that it is important for regional countries to give constructive messages for the termination of the conflicts,” the Turkish presidency said on X , the platform previously known as Twitter.

As Erdogan discussed the aid delivery and the latest developments in the conflict with MBS, the Turkish president also said “it is unacceptable to bomb civilian settlements.” 

Following Saturday’s attack by Hamas, Israel said it has ordered a “complete siege” on Gaza, including halting supplies of electricity, food, water and fuel. 

Erdogan’s office did not say how the Turkish aid would be delivered to the Palestinian enclave.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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• Foreign travel advice

The Occupied Palestinian Territories

Warnings and insurance.

This travel advice covers Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs).

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza.

Areas near Gaza

FCDO advises against all travel to the area close to the border with Gaza that includes:

• south-west of Ashkelon
• south of route 35 and west of route 40 as far as Tlalim, not including Be’er Sheva
• west of Be’er Sheva
• north of route 211

The West Bank

FCDO advises against all travel to the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem and Route 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Northern Israel

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• within 5km of the border with Lebanon – the Israeli military has announced that the area is a closed military zone and entry into the area is prohibited
• the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar
• within 500m of the border with Syria (the ‘Alpha Line’)
• Beit Hillel
• Even Menachem
• Granot Ha’Galil
• Ramot Naftali
• She’ar Yeshuv

The rest of Israel and the OPTs

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Israel and the OPTs .

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

Conflict in Israel and the OPTs

On 7 October 2023 there was a large-scale terrorist attack by Hamas in southern Israel. Hamas continues to launch rockets into Israel and the Israeli Defence Forces are conducting significant military activity in Gaza.

There is also increased military activity by the Israeli Defence Forces around Gaza, within the West Bank and on Israel’s northern border.

There are continued exchanges of rocket and small arms fire over Israel’s northern border with Lebanon and a potential increase in rocket attacks and other incidents of violence across Israel and the OPTs , including the West Bank.

We recognise this a fast-moving situation that poses significant risks. The situation has potential to deteriorate quickly and without warning. This could disrupt air and road links out of the country. If your reason to remain in Israel and the OPTs is not essential, you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so.

If you are in an area affected by the fighting, follow the instructions of Israeli Home Front Command. To find these:

• visit the Israeli Home Front Command website (available in Israel only)
• call 104 if you are in Israel

The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country. International borders (air and land) in Israel and the OPTs could close at short notice. Check the travel advice for any neighbouring country that you are planning to travel to or through.

Before travelling within Israel or  the OPTs , check the local measures in place, that roads are open and, where appropriate, that scheduled train and bus services are operating.

Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Read FCDO advice if you’re affected by a crisis abroad .

Travel within or out of Israel or the OPTs is at your own risk. You are encouraged to follow the advice of local authorities, for example on which routes are open or when to take shelter.

Travelling to Egypt from Gaza

The Rafah border crossing continues to be open for controlled and time-limited periods to allow specific groups of foreign nationals, including British nationals, to cross. It is for the Egyptian and Israeli authorities to determine who is permitted to cross, and when. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will contact embassies to let them know when their foreign nationals can cross. Should we receive notification from the Israeli and Egyptian authorities that individuals are permitted to cross, we will notify those people individually.

If you are a British national in Gaza who wants to leave Gaza, you should make contact with us as soon as possible.

If you are a UK visa holder who meets all of the following criteria, you can contact us to request support to leave Gaza:

• you have a spouse/partner or a child aged 17 or under currently living in the UK; and
• you hold valid permission to enter or remain in the UK for longer than 6 months

Contact FCDO by calling:

• +44 176 766 7600 (UK number)
• +972 (0)3 725 1222
• +972 (0)2 541 4100

Movement to the Rafah crossing and beyond is at your own risk, and dependent on the permission of the Egyptian and Israeli authorities. You should only travel if you judge it is safe to do so. Check the Egypt travel advice .

Help and support in Israel and the OPTs

Contact your travel provider and insurer.

Contact your travel provider and your insurer. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Help from FCDO in Israel and the OPTs

Consular support is severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

If you need consular assistance call:

Help from other organisations 

Keep up to date with local travel advice through local news outlets and international outlets like the Access Coordination Unit .

Concern for friends and family

If you are in the UK and concerned about a friend or family member who is in Israel or the OPTs call FCDO on 020 7008 5000. 

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

• women travellers
• disabled travellers
• LGBT+ travellers
• solo and independent travel
• volunteering and adventure travel

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice 

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip travel advice

Latest updates: Safety and security – updated information on risk of attacks on Israeli territory

Last updated: April 22, 2024 10:10 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, israel - avoid non-essential travel.

Avoid non-essential travel to Israel due to the ongoing regional armed conflict and the unpredictable security situation..

West Bank - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

This advisory excludes the following areas where you should avoid non-essential travel:

• Route 443 between Jerusalem and Modi’in

Gaza Strip - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

Israel has expanded ground operations in the Gaza Strip.

If you are in the Gaza Strip, shelter in a secure place until it’s safe for you to leave. We understand that there are connectivity problems in the Gaza Strip. If possible, try to register or update your personal information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive the latest information about departure options. If you are unable to do so, try to contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre .

The Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular services in the Gaza Strip is severely limited.

Jerusalem - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to Jerusalem due to the volatile security situation.

Border with Syria - Avoid all travel

This advisory excludes the following cities where you should exercise a high degree of caution:

• Buq’ata
• Majdal Shams
• Mas’ada

Border with Egypt - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to within 5 km of the border with Egypt due to the volatile security situation.

Border with Lebanon - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to to the area within 5 kilometres of the border with Lebanon due to ongoing military operations.

Border with the Gaza Strip - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the border with the Gaza Strip due to the risk of rocket and mortar fire, gunfire and military activity.

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Heightened risk of attacks on Israeli territory

Following recent developments in the region, there is a heightened risk of attacks on Israeli territory. The regional security situation remains highly volatile and could escalate escalate at any time.

Drone, rocket and missile attacks occur regularly between Israel and armed groups in neighboring countries such as Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.

On April 13, 2024, Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Israeli territory, contributing to a significant escalation of tensions in the region.

These attacks can lead to air transportation disruptions due to sudden and prolonged airspace closures. Military interceptions can also cause collateral damage.

If you are in Israel or the West Bank:

• monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation
• identify the location of the closest bomb shelter, if available
• if there are no bomb shelters nearby, shelter in a hardened structure away from windows when air raid warning sirens are active
• follow the advice of local authorities, including air-raid sirens and evacuation orders

Ongoing hostilities in Israel and the Gaza Strip

The security situation remains volatile and unpredictable in Israel and the Gaza Strip as hostilities persist between Israel’s military and Gaza-based terrorist groups.

Israeli ground operations and air strikes are expected to continue throughout the Gaza Strip. Missiles and rockets continue to be fired from Gaza towards central and southern Israel.

Military operations in the Gaza Strip pose a risk to civilians, even where they take shelter. Damage to infrastructure has affected communication networks in the Gaza Strip, including the internet.

Violent clashes persist along the border between Israel and Lebanon, including daily rocket and missile fire as well as air strikes. You should avoid all travel within 5 kilometres of the border with Lebanon.

Tensions and violence in the West Bank

Tensions and violence are high in the West Bank. Frequent military operations throughout the West Bank can lead to casualties, including bystanders, and can result in clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians, as well as retaliatory attacks.

Extremist Israeli settler violence occurs frequently. There are reports of civilians being attacked, forced under threat to leave their houses or evacuate specific areas. Individuals of Palestinian or Arab descent may be subject to increased scrutiny, detention, and arrest. Israeli checkpoints have increased in number throughout the West Bank. Personal electronic devices may be searched at Israeli military checkpoints, including flying checkpoints. You, your friends, and your family members could face detention, arrest, and/or the suspension or withdrawal of your official permits if you share information deemed to be inaccurate and sensitive by Israel. This includes content shared on social media. Refrain from discussing political views online and be conscious of local laws related to internet use.

If you're in or near an affected area in Israel, the West Bank, or the Gaza Strip:

• assess if you are currently in a safe location
• shelter in place if you can’t leave the area safely
• limit your movements
• remain extremely cautious
• monitor local and international media to get the latest information
• try to keep your phone charged
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Assisted departure options

Canada continues to offer assistance to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and eligible family members in Gaza.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and their eligible family members, currently in Gaza and wishing to leave should contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre .

Canadian officials put forward names of Canadians and permanent residents, as well as their eligible family members, to the responsible authorities for approval to exit the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing. Global Affairs Canada will contact individual Canadians and permanent residents, as well as their eligible family members, when their request to leave has been approved. Global Affairs Canada does not ultimately decide who can leave Gaza.

If you are seeking to leave the Gaza Strip:

• Keep your travel documents and personal belongings with you at all times
• Be ready to travel to the border crossing on short notice

The situation at the Rafah border crossing remains unpredictable. You should assess the safety risks for you and your family members before travelling.

Due to infrastructure damage, there could be connectivity problems in the Gaza Strip. If possible, try to register or update your personal information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive the latest information about departure options. If you are unable to do so, try to contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre .

If you're a family member of a Canadian citizen or of a permanent resident who is currently in Gaza, the West Bank or Israel and is unable to register through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service , please contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre .

Border operations

Due to recent events in Israel, West Bank and the Gaza Strip, operations at all land borders may be affected by limited authorized daily crossings, reduced hours or closure on short notice. Israeli authorities may also unexpectedly close checkpoints in the West Bank.

You should verify the status of the border crossings before you travel, if you’re planning to cross the following borders:

• Israel/Jordan
• Israel/Egypt
• West Bank/Jordan
• Gaza Strip/Egypt

Naval blockade

The security situation along the Mediterranean coast of the Gaza Strip remains dangerous. The Israeli Navy regularly patrols the area and the Israeli security forces continue to intercept attempts to breach Israel’s naval blockade.

These incidents have resulted in:

• deportations

In cases of deportation, local authorities are not obliged to notify the Canadian Embassy in Tel Aviv nor the Representative Office of Canada in Ramallah.  As a result, Canadian officials may not be able to provide you with consular assistance. 

• Avoid travelling to the Gaza Strip 
• Don’t attempt to break the naval blockade 

Border areas

Border areas with Israel are particularly dangerous and heavily guarded. Landmines are present in certain areas along Israel’s borders. Some minefields have not been clearly marked or fenced. 

Militant activity close to the Israeli barrier in the Golan Heights makes the area extremely dangerous and unstable.

Despite the United Nations-monitored buffer zone between Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights, cross-border gunfire and rocket fires occur with little or no warning. The Israel Defence Forces also conduct military operations in the area, including air strikes.

• Don’t approach the Israeli barrier along the border with Syria in the Golan Heights
• Monitor local media for information on the latest incidents
• Don’t travel east of Highway 98 except to the following cities: 
• Buq’ata 
• Mas’ada 
• Majdal 
• Ghajar 

Egypt 

The border area with Egypt is dangerous due to military operations and smuggling activities.

The Israeli Defence Forces regularly patrols the area to intercept drug smugglers resulting in frequent armed clashes.

The security situation can also deteriorate rapidly due to instability and the risk of terrorist attacks in northern Sinai.

Don’t drive on: 

• south of the intersection of highways 10 and 12
• between Eilat and the Netafim passage

The highways are subject to closure by Israeli authorities without warning.

If you’re planning to travel near the border with Egypt despite this advisory:

• expect roadblocks and checkpoints
• be aware of your surroundings  
• monitor local media to determine where military activity is occurring  

Lebanon 

There is no official international border between Israel and Lebanon. The United Nations observe the “Blue Line,” which separates the two countries, in addition to a fence constructed by Israel on its side of the Blue line. There are sporadic clashes between Israeli and Lebanese armies patrolling along the Blue line.

Landmines are present in the area.

Terrorist groups based in southern Lebanon have fired several rockets from Lebanon into northern Israel, resulting in retaliatory air strikes by the Israel Defence Forces. Further incidents could occur without notice.

Rockets fired from Lebanon have targeted areas near several cities in northern Israel, including:

• Kiryat Shmona

There are ongoing military operations in the following areas:

• Kfar Shouba Hills
• Shebaa Farms

If you choose to travel near the border with Lebanon despite this advisory:

• remain cautious at all times
• monitor local media for any active security alerts
• follow the advice of local authorities

Confrontations and clashes can occur in areas of Jerusalem, including parts of the Old City. Jerusalem has also seen an increased number of terrorist attacks targeting civilians.

During periods of imposed movement restrictions and on religious holidays, exacerbated tensions can lead to security incidents.

There are periodic clashes near the Al-Aqsa Mosque Mosque on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount, especially during Ramadan.

• Avoid travel to the Old City during periods of exacerbated tensions
• Travel in groups
• Always dress conservatively

The situation remains unpredictable in the West Bank. Tensions have increased in various areas. Violent clashes between Israeli settlers, Palestinians and Israeli defence and security forces frequently occur. Incidents of violence often occur along major roadways and intersections where passing vehicles may be subject to random stops at checkpoints or targeted with stone-throwing and other forms of vandalism.

There are multiple Israeli military checkpoints throughout the West Bank, where there is a greater threat of violent confrontations. Areas in the vicinity of the barrier separating Israel and the West Bank are particularly high-risk.

Due to recent events in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, local authorities may close or restrict access to checkpoints without notice.

Frequent Israeli security operations target individuals in cities and villages throughout the West Bank. There is risk of injury to bystanders during these operations. These incidents occur most frequently in: 

• Hebron 
• Jenin 
• Nablus 

Although violence is usually not common in the cities of Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah, there is an increase in violent incidents, especially clashes involving Palestinians, Israeli settlers, the Israeli Security Forces and the Palestinian Authority security forces. 

If you are travelling to the West Bank despite the advisory in effect:

• consider alternate travel arrangements in case of a rapid deterioration in the security situation
• avoid travelling at night
• monitor local and international media
• follow the advice of local authorities 
• register and maintain contact with the Representative Office of Canada in Ramallah 

Politically motivated violence

Politically motivated violence occurs regularly throughout Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.  

Previous incidents resulting in injuries and deaths include: 

• stabbings  
• mob violence
• vehicle ramming  
• stone-throwing at vehicles  

During your stay:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times 
• Monitor news reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities

Terrorism 

There is a threat of terrorism. In the past few years, there has been an increase in deadly attacks targeting civilians throughout Israel. 

Terrorist incidents causing numerous deaths and injuries have occurred in a variety of locations, including: 

• Beersheba 
• Eilat 
• Haifa 
• Jerusalem 
• Netanya 
• Tel Aviv 

Further attacks are likely. 

Targets could include: 

• government buildings, including schools 
• places of worship 
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks 
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres,markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners 

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant during:

•  sporting events
•  public celebrations
• religious holidays, such as:
• Rosh Hashanah 
• Yom Kippur 
• Pesach (Passover) 
• Ramadan 

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks. 

Rocket fire

Cities across Israel may be targeted by rocket fire from the Gaza Strip or from Lebanon. 

Rockets fired from the Gaza Strip have reached Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and have also struck close to Haifa, located approximately 150 km north of the Gaza Strip border. 

The crime rate is relatively low in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Despite an important presence of security personnel in major cities, petty crime may still occur in urban and touristic areas and on beaches. There have been reports of:

• pickpocketing
• purse snatching
• theft of passports, credit cards and other valuables

There’s an increase in car thefts.

• make sure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• make sure that your wallet, money and valuables are out of sight, particularly in crowded tourist areas 
• avoid carrying large amounts of cash 
• avoid showing signs of affluence 
• don’t leave luggage or valuables in a vehicle and always park your vehicle in secure facilities 
• keep your car doors locked and windows closed at all times 

Fraud  

Credit card and ATM fraud may occur. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards: 

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others 
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business 
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature 
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN 
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements 

Cybercrime occurs. Online scams and investment fraud against individuals are on the rise in Israel. 

• Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks 
• Avoid making purchases on unencrypted websites 
• Be wary of unsolicited emails offering enticing business 
• Never click a suspicious link in an email or text message asking for your credit card details 

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations and strikes

Planned and unplanned demonstrations occur regularly.

Demonstrators frequently gather across Israel to express opposition to the government in place. These demonstrations and strikes often result in disruptions to services and public transportation. They sometimes lead to violent incidents, such as vandalism and clashes between demonstrators and police. Security forces sometimes use tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place 
• Follow the instructions of local authorities 
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations 

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Outages 

Service outages are frequent in the Gaza Strip. This includes disruptions in: 

• telecommunications, including phones and Internet 
• power  
• water services 

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.  

Advice for women travellers

Water activities 

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Tidal changes and strong winds can cause dangerous riptides.  

• Never swim alone
• Always obey warning flags at beaches 
• Keep a safe distance from boats and restricted areas 
• Avoid visiting beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings 
• Look out for signs warning of cliff erosion and falling rocks 
• Follow the advice of the local authorities 

Useful links

• Rules of behavior on the beach – Israeli Ministry of Interior 
• Water safety abroad

Road safety 

Road safety can vary considerably in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.  

Road conditions  

Although most roads in Israel are in good condition, many roads in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank are in poor condition.

During the winter months, precipitation can cause difficult driving conditions and road closures across the territory. 

Driving may also be dangerous due to:

• traffic jams and heavy traffic
• narrow, winding and mountainous roads
• flash floods in some regions

Driving habits  

There is a high rate of road accidents due to dangerous driving habits across the territory. Drivers often drive at excessive speed and don’t always respect the right of way, especially in roundabouts.

It’s mandatory to have a high visibility vest and a warning triangle kit in your car. If you must stop on the side of the road and get out of your car, you must wear the vest and use the triangles according to the safety instructions provided.

If you plan to drive: 

• always drive defensively
• plan your trip in advance, especially if you are visiting a rural area 
• always carry a cell phone and charger 
• familiarize yourself with the route before you travel  

Checkpoints 

There are security checkpoints across the territory, mainly in the West Bank.

The Israel Defence Forces control access to the West Bank through a series of security checkpoints and the Palestinian Authority police may do so within their jurisdiction. Following incidents of politically motivated violence, the government of Israel may also establish additional checkpoints without warning and increase the intensity of vehicle checks. Additional measures may include frequent and extended closures of checkpoints at the discretion of Israeli Security Forces.

Officers may ask to see your valid documents. There is no guarantee that you may pass through security checkpoints even if you have a valid visa and authorization to enter.

During periods of religious holidays, checkpoint and border-crossing hours of operation are subject to change.

If travelling by car during your stay: 

• expect multiple roadblocks and checkpoints
• be prepared to present your identification documents 
• don’t pass through checkpoints without stopping, even if they appear unattended 
• follow instructions of police or military officers if you get stopped

Public transportation

Buses .

The bus system is reliable. However, violent incidents occur occasionally in public buses and at bus stops. Attacks have resulted in deaths and injuries in the past.  

If you’re travelling by bus during your stay: 

• be aware of your surroundings at all times 
• stay behind bollards or behind the bus stop while waiting
• stand away from large groups of people 
• notify the driver of any suspicious objects or persons   

Trains 

The train network is extensive. It covers most of the territory and links major cities, such as Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. The Gaza Strip and some parts of the West Bank are not covered. In order to access train stations, you will have to pass a security check.

The Light Rail in Jerusalem is considered safe from Mount Herzl station up to French Hill station. You should avoid travelling through stations further north.

Trains in Israel are generally modern, clean and frequent.

If you’re travelling by train:

• be vigilant
• avoid travelling alone at night
• allow extra time to go through security checks
• validate your ticket to avoid fines

Taxis 

Taxis are generally reliable in Israel and the West Bank.  

In the West Bank, taxis are the easiest way of moving around.

Mobile applications are also available. 

If you’re taking a taxi:

• never use shared taxis
• negotiate the fare in advance

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Israel, the West Bank or the Gaza Strip.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days Business visa: not required Student visa: not required Work visa: required

The Government of Israel issues an entry card on arrival.

You will need your entry card to enter the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Keep it in a secure place to avoid complications upon leaving Israel.

Land travel restrictions

The Government of Israel tightly controls checkpoint crossings within the West Bank and to the Gaza Strip.

Security-related closures can severely restrict entry to and exit from these areas, even for persons possessing valid entry and exit permits.

 Large crowds may gather due to:

• limited hours of operations
• unannounced travel restrictions
• extended closures

This may increase risks to your personal safety.

Travel to and from West Bank

The West Bank is divided into three administrative divisions, which fall under varying degrees of administrative and security control between Palestinian and Israeli authorities.

Israel sets out the entry and exit requirements for the West Bank. In some circumstances, Israeli authorities may deny you entry into the West Bank.

You are required to obtain permits with strict conditions for: 

• short-term visits
• professional, academic or volunteering purposes
• temporary residence for spouses

These new procedures apply to all foreign nationals. As a result, you may need a specific type of visa to enter the West Bank based on your purpose of travel.

If you intend to travel to the West Bank:

• contact Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the closest Israeli embassy to find out which type of permit you need to apply for
• ensure that you have the proper and up-to-date identification, travel documentation and authorization to obtain your permit
• plan your visit accordingly and apply well in advance to avoid delays.
• Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
• Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Travel to and from Gaza Strip

The Erez border crossing, controlled by Israel, is currently closed. There are no options other than the Rafah border crossing, controlled by Egypt, to enter or exit the Gaza Strip.

Due to the ongoing conflict, entry to and exit from the Gaza Strip is currently extremely limited.

Travel to and from Jordan

As a Canadian citizen, you may travel to and from Jordan through the following border crossings:

• Aqaba (Wadi Araba) near Eilat
• King Hussein Bridge (Allenby) near Jericho 
• Sheikh Hussein Bridge (crossing the Jordan River) near Beit She’an.

You may obtain a visa upon arrival at the following border crossings:

• Sheikh Hussein Bridge (crossing the Jordan River) between Israel and Jordan
• Aqaba (Wadi Araba)

You will need to obtain a visa online or from a Jordanian diplomatic mission prior to travelling if you’re planning on entering Jordan at the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby) border crossing. 

Dual citizenship

Israeli-canadians.

Canadians who were born outside Israel to a mother or father who is an Israeli citizen may be considered citizens of Israel.

Israeli law requires Israeli citizens to:

• enter and exit the country on an Israeli passport
• show proof of military status upon arrival

If you are unsure of your Israeli citizenship or your military status, verify it through the Embassy of Israel to Canada or an Israeli consulate before leaving Canada.

Palestinian-Canadians

As a Palestinian-Canadian citizen, you may be subject to Government of Israel travel regulations for Palestinians. Strict border control policies may prevent you from entering to and exiting from: 

• Israel 
• the West Bank 
• the Gaza Strip 

Anyone registered in the Government of Israel’s West Bank and Gaza Strip population registries, including Canadians of Palestinian descent born in the West Bank or Gaza after 1967, is prohibited from entering Israel through Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport.

Israeli authorities are currently allowing only a limited number of Palestinians to enter into the West Bank via the Allenby Crossing (King Hussein Bridge). This rule may not apply to Palestinians with dual citizenship.

You may also be subject to Government of Israel travel regulations for Palestinians if you are a Canadian born in another Arab state or if you hold dual Canadian-Arab state citizenship.

Israeli authorities may then ask you to enter and exit Israel on your Arab passport.

If the place of birth listed on the traveller’s passport does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, travellers may be subject to increased security screening at points of entry, including extensive questioning, physical searches and/or denial of entry, which can involve temporary detention before removal.

Regional travel

Some Canadians have been denied entry into Lebanon, Syria and other Arab countries because their passports bore:

• an Israeli visa
• an Israeli border stamp
•  an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel

Other entry requirement

Custom officials may ask to show a return or onward ticket as proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified this country as no longer poliovirus-infected but at high risk of an outbreak . Polio can be prevented by vaccination.

Recommendations:

• Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
• One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Leptospirosis   is a bacterial disease that typically causes fever, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, skin rash and eye infection. The disease is spread through direct contact with urine from infected animals or with urine-contaminated water, soil, or food.

Leptospirosis is a risk in this country, especially when participating in freshwater activities (e.g., swimming, rafting), being in areas with poor sanitation, or having close contact with animals, especially rodents. Most travellers are at low risk. There is no vaccine available for leptospirosis.  Travellers at high risk may wish to consult a health care professional about pre-exposure antibiotics.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

The quality of medical care varies greatly throughout the destination. Very good health care is available in Israel and Jerusalem. Good health care is limited in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Medical facilities may lack of medical supplies and adequately trained professionals.

Medical treatment can be very expensive. Hospitals and doctors usually require immediate payment in cash.  

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Medication 

Some prescription medication may not be available in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.  

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality at destination.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you 
• Always keep your medication in the original container 
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage 
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions 

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Israel are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Israel to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Israeli authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs, are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Alcohol 

Although alcohol consumption in public is illegal in the Gaza Strip, you can drink alcohol in certain areas in the West Bank.   Avoid drinking alcohol outside licensed premises in the West Bank.  

Photography 

Photography of sensitive installations is prohibited. This includes: 

• military sites 
• police personnel and installations  

Seek permission before taking photos of people in Muslim or Orthodox Jewish areas.  

Both Israeli authorities and the Palestinian Authority recognize dual citizenship.

However, foreign nationals naturalized citizens of Israel must forfeit their previous citizenship.   

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Israel, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Israel.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Israel, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Israeli court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Israel to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Religious holidays

Some Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities' customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to religious practices and beliefs. 

Tensions between religious groups are higher during religious holidays and may lead to violence. 

There is a risk of assault if you travel by car in the Old City of Jerusalem and conservative neighbourhoods of Israel during Shabbat.

To avoid offending local sensitivities, especially during religious holidays:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect social and religious traditions
• seek permission from people and local authorities before taking photographs

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Israel’s law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

The Gaza Strip’s law criminalizes sexual acts and relationships between persons of the same sex. 

2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be detained based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. They may also be detained and face other charges such as: 

• cross-dressing
• gross indecency
• offence to public morals

2SLGBTQI+ travellers could face up to 10 years of imprisonment. They should carefully consider the risks of travelling to the Gaza Strip.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

You may drive in Israel using your Canadian driver’s license for up to 12 months.

Vehicles with Palestinian licence plates are not permitted to enter Israel unless granted a permit by Israeli authorities in advance. If you are planning to enter the West Bank with a rented vehicle, verify your insurance coverage and permissions with your car rental agency.

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Useful links 

• More about the International Driving Permit  
• Driving in Israel – The Association of Americans & Canadians in Israel (AACI)

The currency of Israel is the Israeli Shekel (ILS).

Credit cards are not widely accepted in the Gaza Strip.

The Jordanian dinar (JOD) and the US dollar are also widely accepted throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

ATMs are available, but may not accept Canadian cards.

Earthquakes  

Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are located in an active seismic zone.

Even minor earthquakes can cause significant damage.

Earthquakes - What to Do?  

Sandstorms and dust storms  

Sandstorms and dust storms occur in spring and summer in some areas. Sand-laden winds can blow at high speeds for days, creating difficult driving conditions. These storms can also lead to respiratory problems for some individuals.

During a sandstorm: 

• stay indoors 
• keep windows closed
• be prepared to change, interrupt or cancel your trip at any time
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Heavy rains, particularly during winter, can cause flooding and landslides throughout the territory.

Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged. 

• Exercise caution, particularly in areas around major rivers 
• Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts 
• Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders 

Wildfires 

Wildfires may occur throughout the territory due to high temperatures and dry conditions, particularly during summer. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. 

In case of a significant fire: 

• stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments 
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation 

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 100
• medical assistance: 101
• firefighters: 102

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Representative Office of Canada in Ramallah or the Embassy of Canada to Israel, in Tel Aviv, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Israel-Gaza updates: Israeli forces preparing for 'wide range of offensive plans'

Fighting is ongoing after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

At least 1,400 people have died and 3,400 others have been injured in Israel after the militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented incursion from air, land and sea on Oct. 7 , Israeli authorities said.

In Gaza, 3,000 people have been killed and another 12,500 were injured, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

Tensions are high with the prospect of ground war and evacuation orders for Gaza after the Israel Defense Forces called for "all residents of Gaza City to evacuate their homes" and "move south for their protection" early Friday, saying residents should move "and settle in the area south of the Gaza River." The announcement was made, according to the IDF, because it plans to "operate significantly in Gaza City in the coming days" and wanted "to avoid harming civilians."

Click here for the latest updates.

Latest headlines:

At least 500 killed in explosion at gaza hospital: gaza health ministry.

• IDF preparing to implement 'wide range of offensive plans'
• 3,000 tons of aid with nowhere to go as Gaza-Egypt border remains closed
• Biden to visit Israel
• Hostages suffering from amputated limbs, severe injuries from rape: Israeli forum

Timeline: The Hamas attack and response

On the morning of Oct. 7, sirens echoed across Israel as Hamas terrorists began a full-fledged surprise attack from the air, sea and ground. Hundreds of armed Hamas fighters stormed into Israel from Gaza, charging into cities and gunning down citizens.

Israeli forces responded by sending wave after wave of bombs into Gaza, killing thousands, trapping civilians and raising fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Click here for the full timeline

Abbas pulls out of Biden meeting

Mahmoud Abbas, president of the State of Palestine, is pulling out of his Wednesday meeting with President Joe Biden.

" President Mahmoud Abbas decided to return to the homeland tonight, and he called for an emergency leadership meeting tonight," a senior adviser said Tuesday.

Biden is expected to leave the U.S. Tuesday night to head to Israel and Jordan.

-ABC News' Will Gretsky

At least 500 people have been killed in an explosion at Al Ahli Arab Hospital in the middle of Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

The hospital served as a shelter for thousands of residents who fled their homes in northern Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces denied responsibility for the explosion, saying a failed launch by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad caused the blast.

"From the analysis of the operational systems of the IDF, an enemy rocket barrage was carried out towards Israel, which passed in the vicinity of the hospital, when it was hit," IDF said.

The World Health Organization condemned the blast and called for "the immediate active protection of civilians and health care" workers.

This hospital "was one of 20 in the north of the Gaza Strip facing evacuation orders from the Israeli military," the WHO said in a statement. "The order for evacuation has been impossible to carry out given the current insecurity, critical condition of many patients, and lack of ambulances, staff, health system bed capacity, and alternative shelter for those displaced."

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has declared three days of mourning following the attack.

Israeli official: Gaza aid must not go to Hamas

Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said Tuesday that officials plan to create "safe zones" in southern Gaza as the only places where residents can receive humanitarian aid.

The aid would be "on one condition," Hanegbi said in Hebrew. "If this aid does not reach civilians, but goes to murderers, [the safe zones] will simply not exist."

Rafah border crossing endured 4 bombings from Israel, Egypt says

The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza has now endured four bombings from Israel, according to a spokesperson for Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Rafah crossing was shut on Oct. 10 after it was hit by Israeli warplanes on the Palestinian side three times on Oct. 9 and 10.

Confusion over border crossing between Gaza and Egypt

" We are in constant contact with all U.N. agencies to extract a safe passage for the relief aid," Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told BBC Radio. "There is not yet any sort of authorization for a safe passage from the other side of the crossing.”

Shoukry also called out Israeli leaders who urged Gaza residents to move south, saying, "Israel’s call for displacement to the South is in full contradiction to international humanitarian law, leaving people with no water, electricity or food."

State Department raises travel advisory level for Israel, West Bank

The State Department has raised its travel advisory level for Israel and the West Bank to "level 3 -- reconsider travel" due to terrorism and civil unrest.

"Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza," an alert from the department states. "Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities."

Both regions were previously at "level 2 -- exercise increased caution."

The advisory also adds increased restrictions for U.S. government employees, declaring they can only travel to Israel for "mission-critical travel."

Gaza remains at "level 4 -- do not travel."

-ABC News' Shannon K. Crawford

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State Department issues global travel warning for Americans, as Gaza awaits aid

Updated October 19, 2023 at 2:50 PM ET

JERUSALEM — The first shipments of humanitarian aid could begin to arrive in the Gaza Strip as soon as Friday, nearly two weeks after the start of a punishing Israeli bombardment campaign targeted at the militant group Hamas and after the U.S. State Department issued a travel warning for Americans as tensions continue to build.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has grown dire, aid groups say. Friday's delivery, if it takes place, would be the first since Israel halted the flow of food, water, electricity and fuel to the territory earlier this month, in retaliation for a wave of attacks by Hamas on Israeli towns near Gaza on Oct. 7.

The deal was announced by President Biden late Wednesday after a visit to Israel , during which he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and later spoke by phone with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

Israel says it will not lift its siege until Hamas has released some 200 hostages the group is believed to be holding.

That has left only Egypt's Rafah border crossing , where trucks carrying some 3,000 tons of food, water and medicine are "awaiting" Egypt's approval to enter, the United Nations says.

Officials hope that up to 20 trucks of aid could enter Gaza Friday after roads damaged by airstrikes have been repaired, Biden told reporters. Dozens more trucks will continue to stand by until another agreement has been reached.

It is unclear if any fuel would be included in the shipment. With Gaza's main power plant unable to operate, aid groups say fuel is badly needed to power desalination and wastewater plants, along with hospital generators.

Of concern has been the ability of the United Nations to distribute aid to civilians without the interference of Hamas — a challenge that has long vexed those seeking to aid Gaza residents . If Hamas "doesn't let it get through or just confiscates it, then it's going to end," Biden said of the aid.

Calls for a cease-fire grow as airstrikes continue

On the Gaza side of the Rafah border, thousands of people have gathered in hopes of being allowed to exit the territory and escape the conflict. Israel has repeated its call for Palestinians to evacuate from northern Gaza to so-called safe zones in the southern part of the territory, ahead of a widely expected ground invasion. But Israeli bombardment has continued in southern Gaza, too.

As many as 600 U.S. citizens are thought to be trapped in Gaza, U.S. officials say, but it was unclear whether any people would be allowed out if the border opens on Friday.

For 13 days, Israeli airstrikes have pummeled the Gaza Strip, leveling buildings and damaging infrastructure. More than 1 million Palestinians — roughly half of the territory's population — are estimated to have left their homes to seek shelter in central or southern Gaza, according to the United Nations. Palestinian officials say that Israeli airstrikes have destroyed more than 4,800 residential buildings in Gaza and damaged more than 120,000 housing units.

Calls for a cease-fire have mounted since an explosion at Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, the cause of which remains in dispute . Reports of the death toll have varied; Gaza's Ministry of Health says the blast killed more than 470 people, most of whom were patients at the hospital or people who had come to the hospital's courtyard to seek a safe place to stay.

The explosion sparked protests across the region , including in the occupied West Bank, where three Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces overnight.

Given the increased tensions globally, the State Department issued a travel advisory for Americans abroad.

"Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution," the agency said.

It strongly advised travelers to stay alert in touristy areas.

Diplomatic efforts to address the conflict

On Thursday, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Cairo to meet with officials there and to observe U.N. relief efforts as they prepare to enter Gaza "at a moment of profound crisis ... unlike any the region has seen in decades," he said.

As he had earlier this week, Guterres again called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire to help reach these goals.

"For nearly two weeks the people of Gaza have gone without any shipments of fuel, food, water, medicine, and other essentials. Disease is spreading. Supplies are dwindling. People are dying," Guterres said at a press conference on Thursday alongside Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.

Guterres called on Hamas "for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages" and on Israel "for immediate unrestricted access of humanitarian aid" for Gaza.

As part of a wave of diplomatic efforts to address the crisis, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrived in Israel Thursday to meet Israeli officials and families of those impacted by the Hamas attack.

Like Biden, Sunak supported Israel's "right to defend itself in line with international law, to go after Hamas, to take back hostages, deter further incursions and to strengthen your security for the long term."

Among the some 200 hostages believed to have been taken by Hamas are British nationals, according to Sunak. He met with individuals whose family members were taken hostage.

During his speech after meeting with Israeli officials, Sunak thanked Netanyahu "for the support that your government has given to the families of British nationals caught up in this horror, including your efforts to secure the release of hostages, and I know that we will continue to cooperate, particularly with regard to the British nationals that are involved."

French leader Emmanuel Macron is expected to follow in the coming days.

At the U.N. Security Council Wednesday, the U.S. vetoed a resolution on the Israel-Hamas war that called for humanitarian pauses to allow delivery of aid to Gaza. Twelve of 15 council members voted in favor of the measure; Russia and the United Kingdom abstained.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the Security Council the U.S. was disappointed the draft resolution made no mention of Israel's inherent right to defend itself against attacks. She also noted that the U.S. had been working with the U.N. and others to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which she said was brought about by Hamas' own actions.

About 1,400 people in Israel have been killed in the conflict, most of them on Oct. 7, Israeli officials say. Palestinian health officials say that the death toll in Gaza has reached 3,478, along with more than 60 dead in the West Bank.

Biden is expected to give an Oval Office address on the conflict Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.

NPR staffers Becky Sullivan reported from Jerusalem and Jaclyn Diaz reported from Washington, D.C. Linda Fasulo contributed reporting from New York.

Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

Getty Images

Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Update: Is it safe to travel to Israel, Egypt and the Middle East?

Editor's note: This article is regularly updated as new information becomes available and is accurate as of 12:37 p.m. EDT on Oct. 31. For the most up-to-date information, contact the U.S. Department of State or similar official websites.

Escalating violence has taken an increasingly deadly toll on residents of both Israel and the Gaza Strip. While much less important, it has created instability for travel and travelers across the extended region.

If you have travel plans for Israel or neighboring territories such as Egypt, Jordan, Cyprus and Turkey in the coming months, you must look closely at travel restrictions and advisories for the area. If you still plan to travel to regions where travel is not advised, please be aware that this may invalidate any insurance coverage you have in place.

It is also worth noting that the U.S. Department of State recently issued a worldwide travel advisory for U.S. citizens , encouraging enhanced caution abroad.

Here is everything we know so far about the impact on travel with up-to-date advice from both the United Kingdom and the U.S. governments.

Is it safe to travel to Israel?

What the us government says about travel to israel.

The State Department has a four-tier travel advisory system, ranging from "Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions" to "Level 4: Do Not Travel." Israel is currently listed as "Level 3: Reconsider Travel." While this could change at any time, it is not currently at the highest tier; this may come as a bit of a surprise considering major airlines have suspended flights into the country .

The State Department did, however, post the following Oct. 14:

Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and 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. Violence can occur in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza without warning. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, some with little or no warning.

Additionally, the State Department has also highlighted the following warnings:

Do Not Travel To:

• Gaza due to terrorism , civil unrest , and armed conflict

Reconsider Travel To:

• Israel due to terrorism and civil unrest
• West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest

What the UK government says about travel to Israel

The U.K.'s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office currently advises against all but essential travel to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.

The FCDO advises against all travel to the following locations:

• The West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem and Route 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
• Within 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) of the border with Lebanon, which is now a closed military zone
• Shebaa Farms and Ghajar
• Within 500 meters (0.3 miles) of the border with Syria
• Areas close to the Gaza border, which include southwest of Ashkelon; south of Route 35 and west of Route 40 as far as Tlalim, not including Beer Sheva; west of Beer Sheva; and north of Route 211
• Evacuated communities in Northern Israel, which include Beit Hillel, Dan, Eilon, Even Menachem, Goren, Granot HaGalil, HaGoshrim, Liman, Matsuva, Ramot Naftali, Sasa, Shear Yeshuv, Snir and Tzivon

This advice is accurate as of Oct. 31.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

Are Israel flights being canceled?

As the current crisis continues to escalate, many major airlines have either diverted or canceled flights to Israel.

In the U.S. and Canada, the below airlines have suspended flights to Israel.

• Air Canada : Tel Aviv flights are currently canceled.
• American Airlines : Tel Aviv flights are canceled until Dec. 4.
• Delta Air Lines : Tel Aviv flights are canceled until Oct. 31.
• United Airlines : Direct flights to Tel Aviv are canceled.

Within Europe, the below airlines have also suspended flights to Tel Aviv.

• British Airways : Flights to Tel Aviv are currently canceled.
• EasyJet : Flights to Tel Aviv are canceled until Nov. 30.
• Finnair: Flights to Tel Aviv are canceled until March 30, 2024.
• Lufthansa : Flights to Tel Aviv are canceled until Nov. 30.
• Air France : Flights to Tel Aviv are currently canceled.
• KLM : Flights to Tel Aviv are currently canceled.
• Norwegian Air Shuttle : Flights to and from Tel Aviv are canceled until Dec. 19.
• Virgin Atlantic : Flights to Tel Aviv are canceled until Nov. 22.

What if I have booked a trip to Israel?

If your flight is canceled due to the ongoing conflict, you are entitled to a full refund by your airline. You should contact the carrier directly to arrange this if it has not already contacted you.

Likewise, if your flight hasn't been canceled but your government is also advising you not to travel, you should be able to claim a refund. Contact your airline to do so.

If you choose to travel to an affected region against government advice, then it's likely that this will invalidate any insurance claims that you may later make.

Are cruise ships to Israel affected?

Numerous cruise lines have canceled calls at the Israeli ports of Ashdod and Haifa, including:

• Holland America
• Celebrity Cruises
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Oceania Cruises
• Celestyal Cruises

Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

How far is egypt from israel.

Egypt shares a border with Israel and the Gaza Strip, though most of Egypt's major tourist destinations are a considerable distance away. The country's capital, Cairo, is 216 miles from Gaza and 400 miles from Israel.

What the US government says about travel to Egypt

The U.S. has not updated its travel advisory for Egypt since July 13, so the current crisis is not part of its "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" recommendation. There is an additional "Do not travel" warning, also from July, for the following areas:

• The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to terrorism .
• The Western Desert due to  terrorism .
• Egyptian border areas due to  military zones .

However, the U.S. Embassy in Cairo posted this regional security alert Oct. 9:

The situation in Israel continues to be unpredictable and U.S. citizens throughout the region should take caution. Individuals should follow local government advice to increase their security awareness, avoid areas around demonstrations, and check local media for updates and traffic advisories. U.S. citizens who need assistance should contact the closest U.S. embassy or consulate.

What the UK government says about travel to Egypt

As of Oct. 27, the FCDO advises against all travel to the following locations in Egypt :

• Within 20 kilometers (12 miles) of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum, where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel
• North Sinai

The FCDO also advises against all but essential travel in the following locations in Egypt:

• The northern part of South Sinai beyond the St. Catherine-Nuweiba road, except for coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula
• The eastern part of the Ismailiyah governorate east of the Suez Canal
• The Western Desert area, west of the Nile Valley and the Nile Delta regions, except for Luxor, Qena, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings; the Faiyum governorate; coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matrouh; Marsa Matrouh-Siwa Road; Siwa Oasis; the Giza governorate northeast of Bahariya Oasis; the road between Giza and Farafra; Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, the White Desert and the Black Desert; and the Halaib Triangle and Bir Tawil

Additionally, British citizens in Gaza wanting to enter Egypt are advised to check the status of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories before attempting to travel.

Travel through this crossing, according to the FCDO, is at your own risk. Only do it if you decide it's safe to do so.

Are Egypt flights being canceled?

At the time of writing, flights between Egypt and the U.K. and the U.S. are still in operation.

What if I have booked a trip to Egypt?

If you have booked a trip to Egypt but no longer wish to travel, your cancellation rights will depend upon the airline that you have booked with and/or any insurance policy that you may have taken out.

As both the U.S. and the U.K. are not currently advising against travel to most parts of Egypt, you will likely be charged a fee to cancel your flight with most airlines. However, if your airline cancels your flight, you'll be entitled to a full refund.

For hotel cancellations, this will again depend on where you booked your accommodation. You should contact either the hotel or your booking agent directly to understand your options.

Are cruise ships to Egypt affected?

The following cruise lines have canceled calls at Egyptian ports:

Is it safe to travel to Jordan?

How far is jordan from israel.

Israel shares its long eastern border with Jordan. This border stretches 300 miles from Golan Heights in the north to the Red Sea in the south. There are three crossing points in the northern, central and southern areas. It's possible to drive between Israel's capital, Jerusalem, and Jordan's capital, Amman, in less than two hours; however, the route goes directly through the Palestinian West Bank territories.

What the US government says about travel to Jordan

Although Jordan shares a border with Israel and the West Bank, the State Department has not issued an updated travel advisory for the country since July.

The current advisory is "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" (a mild warning that is the same level currently assessed for much of southern Europe, including Spain and Italy).

Additionally, it advises that you do not travel to:

• Within 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) of the Jordanian border with Syria and east of the town of Ruwayshid in the direction of the border with Iraq
• Zarqa, Rusayfah and the Baqaa neighborhood of Ayn Basha due to terrorism and crime

You should reconsider travel to:

• Maan City and some areas of Maan Governorate due to terrorism and crime

What the UK government says about travel to Jordan

As of Oct. 18, travel to Jordan is still permitted , according to the FCDO, though travel within 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) of Jordan's border with Syria should only be undertaken if essential.

The FCDO has, however, advised that crossings between Jordan and Israel may be closed at short notice. If you're planning to make this journey, you should check with local authorities and travel advice for Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories before attempting to do so.

While the political situation in Jordan remains stable, numerous protests and demonstrations are happening throughout the country. While largely peaceful, they "can become confrontational," the FCDO advises.

It also notes the country is at risk of terror attacks and has seen numerous incidents since 2016.

Are Jordan flights being canceled?

At the time of writing, flights between Jordan and the U.K. and the U.S. are still in operation.

What if I have booked a trip to Jordan?

If you have booked a trip to Jordan but now want to cancel, you will only be entitled to a full refund if you were planning to visit a region that your government now advises you not to travel to.

Beyond these areas, your cancellation rights will depend upon the airline that you have booked with and/or any insurance policy that you may have taken out.

As both the U.S. and the U.K. are not currently advising against travel to most parts of Jordan, you will likely be charged a fee to cancel your flight with most airlines if you cancel within the stipulated cancellation period.

For hotel cancellations, you should contact the hotel or your booking agent directly to understand your options and whether your booking falls within a free cancellation window.

Are cruise ships to Jordan affected?

The following cruise lines have canceled calls at ports in Jordan:

Is it safe to travel to Cyprus?

How far is cyprus from israel.

The island of Cyprus is 150 miles west of Israel. It takes less than an hour to fly to the island from Israel's Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), which is in the coastal city of Tel Aviv. Although Cyprus is considered a European destination rather than a Middle Eastern one, its proximity makes it a popular place to visit from Israel.

What the US government says about travel to Cyprus

There are no security alerts for Cyprus , and the State Department lists it as "Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions" (the lowest travel advisory).

What the UK government says about travel to Cyprus

As of Oct. 23, the FCDO has not issued any travel warnings regarding Cyprus .

Are Cyprus flights being canceled?

At the time of writing, flights between Cyprus and the U.K. and the U.S. are still in operation.

What if I have booked a trip to Cyprus?

Currently, neither the U.S. nor the U.K. advises against travel to any region of Cyprus. As such, it is unlikely that you would be able to receive a full travel refund for any booked flights with most airlines without paying a cancellation fee.

You should contact the airline you are flying with to understand your full cancellation options and any applicable fees if you no longer wish to travel.

For hotel bookings, contact the hotel directly or via your booking agent. In some scenarios, you may have a cancellation period built into your booking that will allow you a full or partial refund.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

How far is turkey from israel.

Turkey is 550 miles north of Israel, just above Lebanon and Syria. The two countries do not share a border, though it only takes 90 minutes to fly between the two regions.

What the US government says about travel to Turkey

The State Department has not updated its advisory for Turkey since July. The country is listed as "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution," which isn't unusual. Again, Germany, Italy and Spain all have Level 2 advisories as well.

However, there is an addition to the advisory to avoid the southern border with Syria:

• Sirnak province, Hakkari province, and any area within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Syrian border due to terrorism.

What the UK government says about travel to Turkey

The FCDO advises against all travel to the following locations in Turkey:

• Travel within 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of the border with Syria
• All but essential travel to the city of Sirnak
• All but essential travel to Hakkari province

Are Turkey flights being canceled?

What if i have booked a trip to turkey.

If you have a flight booked to visit an area of Turkey that your government now advises against traveling to, you should be entitled to a full refund. Contact your airline to do so and discuss your options.

Beyond these areas, your cancellation rights will depend upon the airline that you have booked with and/or any insurance policy that you may have taken out regarding cancelations.

As both the U.S. and the U.K. are not currently advising against travel to most parts of Turkey, you will likely be charged a fee to cancel your flight with most airlines if you cancel within the stipulated cancellation period.

Bottom line

The conflicts in Israel and Gaza have escalated quickly over recent weeks, and travel to either region is not currently advised. Additionally, the related effects also have the potential to affect neighboring destinations such as Egypt, Jordan, Cyprus and Turkey.

If you would like to cancel an upcoming trip to a neighboring region, you may not be entitled to a full refund unless your government has advised against traveling to that specific destination. However, in these scenarios, we'd advise reaching out to your airline directly, as it may be able to offer alternative resolutions or changes.

Related reading:

• U.S. issues worldwide travel advisory — here's what you should know
• Confused by State Department travel advisories? Here's what they mean
• How the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program could help you on your next trip abroad
• The difference between CDC and State Department travel warnings
• The best travel insurance policies and providers

Middle East Crisis Israel Will Expand Civilian ‘Safe Zone’ if It Invades Crowded Gazan City, Official Says

• Share full article
• Damage and destruction in northern Gaza, seen from a bicycle. By Reuters
• An aid airdrop over the northern Gaza Strip. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Families and supporters of hostages held in Gaza protesting in Tel Aviv. Abir Sultan/EPA, via Shutterstock
• Children lining up for food in Jabaliya, in northern Gaza. By Reuters
• Palestinians watch fishermen returning from sea in Rafah, in southern Gaza. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• A Palestinian woman marking unidentified bodies at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• A sign supporting the hostages in Tel Aviv. Hannah Mckay/Reuters
• Destroyed buildings in Khan Younis. Mohammed Saber/EPA, via Shutterstock

An official offers a hint of Israel’s plans for civilians if it invades Rafah.

An Israeli military official has said that if an invasion were to begin in the southern Gaza city Rafah, where a million displaced Palestinians are sheltering, an Israeli-designated “humanitarian zone” along the coast would be expanded to take in more civilians.

The comments are among the first indications of the Israeli military’s plans for civilians in case of a major ground maneuver in Rafah, which the Biden administration has urged Israel to forgo because of the risks it would pose to displaced Palestinians.

Palestinians who have sought shelter in Rafah have been bracing for an Israeli incursion for months, huddling in crowded tents, schools and apartments. Many have followed Israeli calls to evacuate only to encounter bombardment in those places too.

Israeli officials have repeatedly said that the army will enter Rafah to fight Hamas battalions there, bucking international pressure to back off any operation.

In the case of an invasion, Israel would tell Palestinians to go to the enlarged “humanitarian zone,” which would include a narrow strip of beachside land known as Al-Mawasi , and other unidentified areas in Gaza, said the military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, on Monday evening.

It was unclear how much land beyond Al-Mawasi Israel would seek to designate as a “humanitarian zone” for civilians. Satellite imagery from Planet Labs revealed a significant increase in the number of people in Al-Mawasi over the last few months: An aerial image from Sunday shows tent encampments occupying land that had been empty in mid-January.

Sandra Rasheed, the director of the Jerusalem office of Anera, a relief group, said Israel hadn’t told it of an imminent operation in Rafah, but the organization had located a shelter for its staff members and their families to relocate to in Al-Mawasi. United Nations officials also said they hadn’t been informed by Israel of an impending invasion.

The western edge of Rafah’s built-up area is near Al-Mawasi’s southern border, and around two and a half miles from its center.

Israel’s military first said Gaza’s residents should move to Al-Mawasi in mid-October. It reiterated that demand in December when it issued evacuation orders for the nearby city of Khan Younis and told residents to head to Al-Mawasi and some areas in Rafah.

Satellite imagery also appeared to show a new cluster of hundreds of tents being built west of Khan Younis. Imagery taken on Thursday showed more than 100 tents in the area, while imagery captured on Sunday showed more than 400 in the complex.

Location of

Israel has come under increasing international pressure to allow more aid to enter Gaza. The official did not say how much more aid would be brought to Al-Mawasi. Mohammed al-Hassi, 48, a medic sheltering in Al-Mawasi, said the area was overflowing with displaced people, and worried another influx would make conditions worse.

“There aren’t enough bathrooms, there isn’t enough clean water, and there isn’t enough space,” he said. “The existing infrastructure can barely handle the number of people already here.”

Rafah is on the border with Egypt, but with Egypt allowing hardly any Gazans to enter, there are few clear options for moving large numbers of civilians out of the city. Earlier this month, Jamie McGoldrick, then a senior U.N. humanitarian official in Jerusalem, said that an Israeli invasion of Rafah could force hundreds of thousands of people to try to flee for points north, a risky journey across bombed-out roads littered with unexploded ordnance.

The Biden administration has repeatedly urged Israel to hold off on a major military assault on Rafah, including in a virtual meeting last week . During that meeting, the American side evaluated options for the attack presented by Israel but was not convinced that those plans met Mr. Biden’s insistence that any operation be calibrated to minimize civilian casualties, according to a White House statement .

Israel has frequently encouraged Palestinians to seek shelter in Al-Mawasi, but the area has been struck by the Israeli army several times, according to Palestinians in the area. Israel has accused militants of firing rockets from Al-Mawasi.

“There’s no safe place,” Mr. Hassi said. “I’m someone with no hostility toward Israel or anyone in the world, but I can’t guarantee that the building, the land, or the car I’m next to won’t be targeted.”

In Rafah, Rajab al-Sindawi, a secondhand clothing salesman who fled there from Gaza City in the north, said he was feeling anxious as he, his wife and seven children squeezed into a small tent on a sidewalk.

“The people are all waiting to hear how they will move us,” he said.

Lauren Leatherby contributed reporting to this article.

— Adam Rasgon reporting from Jerusalem

The U.N. calls for an inquiry after mass graves are found at two Gaza hospitals.

The United Nations’ human rights office on Tuesday called for an independent investigation into two mass graves found after Israeli forces withdrew from hospitals in Gaza, including one discovered days ago over which Israeli and Palestinian authorities offered differing accounts.

Palestinian Civil Defense said over the weekend that it had found a mass grave containing 283 bodies on the grounds of Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis, two weeks after a similar mass grave was found at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

Mahmoud Basal, a spokesman for Palestinian Civil Defense, an emergency services organization, said some of the bodies found in Khan Younis were handcuffed, shot in the head or wearing detainee uniforms. He accused Israeli forces of killing and burying them. Israel’s military declined to address those claims on Tuesday, and they could not be independently verified.

On Tuesday, hours after the top U.N. human rights official called for an inquiry into the mass graves, the Israeli military said that its forces had exhumed bodies that were buried by Palestinians “in the area” of Nasser Hospital and examined them as part of an effort to locate hostages. It did not comment on the report of the mass grave at Al-Shifa.

The Israeli military declined to say how many bodies troops had exhumed and reburied, how they died or whether the remains of any hostages had been found at the site. It also did not say how the bodies had been examined to determine if they were those of Israeli hostages.

“The examination was carried out respectfully while maintaining the dignity of the deceased,” the statement said. “Bodies examined, which did not belong to Israeli hostages, were returned to their place.”

It was not clear where the people discovered in the mass grave were originally buried. But wartime chaos in Gaza has made it common for Palestinians to bury the dead in mass graves or in courtyards and back gardens in a hurried way that might be unthinkable in times of peace.

In January, an official at Nasser told journalists that hospital workers had buried about 150 people in the hospital yard because nearby fighting had made it too dangerous to travel to a cemetery.

In addition to the grave at Nasser Hospital, a mass grave was reported to have been discovered at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after an Israeli military operation there. The U.N. human rights office said on Tuesday that the Gaza government had reported that 30 more bodies were found in two graves there, 12 of which had been identified. The office said it could not confirm the accounts.

The U.N. human rights chief, Volker Türk, said on Tuesday that an international investigation into the mass graves, not an Israeli one, was needed “given the prevailing climate of impunity.”

“We feel the need to raise the alarm because clearly there have been multiple bodies discovered,” said Ravina Shamdasani, a spokeswoman for Mr. Türk.

The Israeli military raided Nasser Hospital on Feb. 15 to stop what it said was Hamas activity, after ordering the hundreds of displaced people sheltering there to evacuate.

Although the military left the hospital in February, Israeli troops continued to operate in the Khan Younis area before withdrawing from southern Gaza earlier this month , leaving behind widespread destruction. The withdrawal allowed Palestinian emergency services to begin searching for bodies of missing Palestinians.

Doctors at the hospital and the Gazan Health Ministry had said that some people who tried to flee the Nasser compound during the Israeli raid were shot at by Israeli soldiers , with some being killed or wounded. At the time, the Israeli military said in response that it had “opened a secure route” to evacuate the civilians in the area but did not respond to questions about reports that it had shot at Palestinians trying to leave the hospital.

Iyad Abuheweila contributed reporting from Istanbul, Nader Ibrahim from London and Johnatan Reiss from Tel Aviv.

— Liam Stack ,  Hiba Yazbek and Nick Cumming-Bruce reporting from Jerusalem and Geneva

Maps: Tracking the Attacks in Israel and Gaza

See where Israel has bulldozed vast areas of Gaza, as its invasion continues to advance south.

Jewish protesters in New York assail Schumer for military support of Israel.

Pro-palestinian jewish groups rally near schumer’s brooklyn home, approximately 200 people were arrested after protesting one block away from the home of senator chuck schumer of new york..

Crowd: “Let Gaza live! Let Gaza live! “Senator Schumer, your Jewish constituents and the vast majority of the U.S. demands stop arming Israel.” “Disclose, divest, we will not stop, we will not rest. Disclose, divest.” “Let Gaza live, let Gaza live.”

As Senator Chuck Schumer of New York prepared for a final vote to pass an aid package that would provide $26 billion to Israel and billions more to Ukraine and Taiwan, approximately 200 protesters were arrested, according to the police, after blocking traffic in his Brooklyn neighborhood on the second night of Passover to call for an end to the United States’ military support of Israel.

Though Mr. Schumer, the Democratic majority leader, was in Washington, demonstrators rallied on Tuesday in Grand Army Plaza, one block away from his Brooklyn home, a common site of protests since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war. As the sun set, hundreds of people gathered around a circular banner representing a Seder plate, which included the words “Jews say stop arming Israel” alongside images of foods eaten during the Seder meal.

“This will not be a Seder as usual. These are not usual times,” Morgan Bassichis, a member of the progressive group Jewish Voice for Peace, said to attendees.

After a series of speakers addressed the rally, a large portion of the crowd moved into the street between the north edge of Prospect Park and the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch, blocking the flow of traffic and prompting drivers to lean on their horns. Police officers who had been monitoring the event warned the demonstrators that they would be arrested if they did not move; when they stayed put, officers wielding zip-tie handcuffs moved in and began making arrests. Roughly 200 protesters, some wearing reflective vests over black T-shirts that read “Jews Say Cease Fire Now,” were led away in pairs.

The protest, organized by pro-Palestinian Jewish groups, marked what has been a distinctly different Passover celebration for Jewish people in New York City and beyond, as college campuses and family dinner tables feel the ripple effects of the Israel-Hamas war.

Stefanie Fox, executive director of Jewish Voice for Peace, said the protest was held during Passover in order to send a message to Mr. Schumer as the Senate moved toward a final vote on aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. Roughly $9 billion of that $95 billion package is dedicated to “worldwide humanitarian aid,” including for civilians in Gaza. (The package later passed in a 79-to-18 vote .)

“Everything in our tradition compels us to bring everything we have to stopping these historic atrocities being done in our names and with our tax dollars,” Ms. Fox said in an interview on Monday.

Mr. Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the United States, recently called for elections to replace Benjamin Netanyahu , the Israeli prime minister, once the war winds down. His rebuke of the Jewish state’s leader last month — in a speech in which he also spoke of his love for the state of Israel and his horror at the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7 — exposed the widening gap between Israel and the United States, its most important ally, analysts said.

“Senator Schumer just very recently spoke very harshly about Prime Minister Netanyahu on the Senate floor,” Beth Miller, the political director for Jewish Voice for Peace, said at the protest on Tuesday. “For him to do that with one hand, and then on the other hand reward Prime Minister Netanyahu by pushing forward this military funding package, shows that he is not serious about actually shifting U.S. policy to leverage change.”

One attendee, Calvin Harrison, 29, a community organizer who lives in Manhattan, said he was at Grand Army Plaza “because I’m a Jew and I was raised to believe that Judaism is about justice.”

“Passover is a celebration of liberation for the future,” he went on. “We can’t celebrate liberation for ourselves while we’re oppressing Palestinians.”

— Camille Baker and Claire Fahy

Israel carries out airstrikes and orders new evacuations in parts of Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza.

The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it had carried out several airstrikes in Beit Lahia, one of the northernmost cities in the Gaza Strip, as Palestinians under orders to “immediately” leave parts of the city scrambled to find safety.

The Israeli strikes killed at least one person and injured several others in Beit Lahia and damaged and set fire to several houses in nearby Gaza City, according to Wafa, the Palestinian Authority’s official news agency. The strikes were carried out in response to rockets launched from the area toward southern Israel, all of which were successfully intercepted, the military said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee, a spokesman for the Israeli military, had issued an “urgent warning” to residents to immediately leave some neighborhoods in Beit Lahia for “known shelters” elsewhere in the city.

“You are in a dangerous combat zone,” Colonel Adraee wrote in Arabic on social media . The Israeli military, he added, intended to use “extreme force against terrorist infrastructure and subversive elements in the region.”

The announcement was the latest in a series of confusing and often impracticable evacuation orders that the Israeli military has issued to civilians in northern Gaza, who are on the brink of famine and hemmed in by roads and buildings heavily damaged by Israeli bombardment.

The Israeli military has often issued warnings like the one on Tuesday just before a raid by ground troops. It announced nearly four months ago that it was moving its troops out of northern Gaza because Hamas no longer controlled those areas. But in recent weeks, Israeli forces have returned to mount ground operations in several parts of the North where the military said Hamas fighters had resurfaced, including the Al-Shifa Hospital complex.

The Israeli military said its airstrikes in northern Gaza on Tuesday had targeted the launch sites of rockets fired earlier that morning toward the city of Sderot and the kibbutz of Zikim in southern Israel, as well as “additional targets” including “military structures and a launcher containing rockets that were ready to fire toward Israel.”

The military also released footage in which one of its airstrikes appeared to hit the Al-Siddiqin Mosque in Beit Lahia, a move the military claimed was intended to destroy an “operational tunnel shaft.”

Multiple human rights watchdogs, including the United Nations human rights office, Amnesty International and the research group Forensic Architecture, have said that evacuation orders Israel has issued in Gaza could amount to the forcible displacement of civilians and could violate international law.

A study released last month by Forensic Architecture found that the orders repeatedly directed displaced civilians to parts of Gaza that lacked the “essentials for survival” required by international law, and where the civilians often still came under direct attacks by the Israeli military.

While the Israeli military has said that its evacuation orders are part of a humanitarian effort, the study said they have instead “served to facilitate what numerous international experts have called Israel’s genocidal actions.”

Aric Toler and Johnatan Reiss contributed reporting.

— Anushka Patil

A review of UNRWA prompts new calls to restore its funding.

U.N. officials and some donor nations are renewing calls to revive funding for the main U.N. agency aiding Palestinians, after a review found that Israel had not provided evidence to support its claim that many employees of the agency are members of terrorist organizations.

More than a dozen countries, including the United States, suspended funding to the agency, known as UNRWA, after Israel claimed in January that a dozen agency employees had participated in the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attacks or their aftermath, and that one in 10 staff members in Gaza was a member of Hamas or its ally, Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

The United Nations had commissioned an independent review of the agency in January , before Israel circulated its claims, but those charges gave added significance to the inquiry, whose findings were released on Monday. The report issued a series of recommendations for the agency to protect its neutrality, but said that “Israel has yet to provide supporting evidence” for its accusation that a significant number of agency employees are members of terrorist organizations.

The review did not address Israel’s accusation that 12 of the agency’s 13,000 employees in Gaza had participated in the Oct. 7 attack or its aftermath, a claim that the United Nations says remains under internal investigation. The United Nations has fired 10 of the 12 employees accused by Israel.

Stéphane Dujarric, a spokesman for the U.N. secretary general, António Guterres, said on Monday that Mr. Guterres had accepted the report’s recommendations and appealed for donors “to actively support UNRWA, as it is a lifeline for Palestine refugees in the region.”

Caroline Gennez, the minister of development for Belgium, which did not cut off funding to the agency, said that the report showed that UNRWA had “always acted adequately.”

“I call on all donors to resume their support,” she wrote on social media . “Now.”

Ireland’s foreign minister, Micheál Martin, was quoted by the national broadcaster , RTÉ, as saying that he hoped that some countries that had suspended support would now resume it. Ireland, which has strongly condemned Israel’s campaign in Gaza, increased aid to UNRWA as other countries were cutting it, he noted.

“We were very clear from the word go that you could not replace or undermine UNRWA’s role in terms of giving vital aid, teaching, education,” he said.

Among the more than a dozen countries that suspended payments over Israel’s accusations, several — including Australia, Canada and Japan — have already resumed funding UNRWA, citing the spiraling humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and steps taken by the agency to improve accountability.

The United States has said it would wait for the results of U.N. investigations before deciding whether to resume donations to UNRWA. Matthew Miller, a State Department spokesman, told reporters on Monday that the Biden administration was reviewing the U.N.-commissioned report and had no assessment yet of its conclusions.

“Certainly, we welcome the fact that the secretary general has accepted the recommendations,” Mr. Miller said, adding that the United States had “long made clear that there needs to be reforms at UNRWA.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for UNRWA to be closed and replaced “with responsible international aid agencies.” Israel’s Foreign Ministry on Monday called on donor countries to avoid sending money to the organization.

UNRWA has argued that Israel has targeted it with a “deliberate and concerted campaign” to undermine its operations when its services are most needed.

The European Union, one of the largest donors to UNRWA, announced in March that it was substantially increasing funds to the agency, saying that Palestinians were facing terrible conditions and should not be made to pay for Hamas’s crimes.

— Patrick Kingsley and Matt Surman

Hezbollah claims a drone attack 10 miles inside Israel.

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah on Tuesday claimed that it had made its deepest attack into Israel since October, striking a barracks north of the city of Acre with drones and setting off sirens across the country’s northern coastline.

The Israeli military, however, said that no bases had been hit and no casualties reported, adding that three drones had been identified and intercepted.

Hezbollah, Iran’s most powerful regional proxy, has been engaged in escalating cross-border strikes with Israeli forces since the war in Gaza began more than six months ago. In the latest strike, it maintained it had launched a drone attack on an Israeli military barracks roughly 10 miles from the Lebanese border.

Footage that circulated Tuesday on Hezbollah-affiliated Telegram channels, and geolocated by The New York Times, shows people on a beach in Acre looking up at the sky as sirens go off and an explosion is heard.

The drone attack in Israel came after targeted killings by Israel of two Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon, both of whom the Israeli military claimed were involved in Hezbollah’s aerial operations. The killings overnight and on Tuesday were the latest in a string of assassinations of Hezbollah commanders and fighters, as the Lebanese militant group increasingly employs self-detonating drones to target Israeli military sites.

After the drone attack, an Israeli strike on a house in the southern Lebanese town of Hanin killed at least two people, one of them a child, according to Lebanon’s state news agency. The Israeli military said that fighter jets had targeted “military structures” in the area where Hezbollah were operating, according to a statement.

Last week, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a drone and missile attack into northern Israel that left one soldier dead and 16 soldiers and two civilians injured, in one of the group’s most damaging attacks in Israel in recent months.

Hwaida Saad , Johnatan Reiss and Arijeta Lajka contributed reporting.

— Euan Ward Reporting from Beirut, Lebanon

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Middle East: Is it safe to travel to holiday destinations as tension escalates?

Are you going to Turkey, Egypt or Israel on holiday? The Foreign Office has warned travellers to several countries to monitor advice after an Iranian attack on Israel pushed tension in the Middle East up another notch.

Thursday 18 April 2024 08:13, UK

Tension in the Middle East has ratcheted up again after Iran's attack on Israel, as the world waits to see how Benjamin Netanyahu's government will respond. 

With the threat of widening conflict, people due to travel through or over the Middle East may be asking if their plans may be impacted.

On Saturday, flight data showed dozens of journeys that would have travelled over the Middle East turned back after Iran fired more than 300 drones and missiles into Israel .

Here is what airlines are saying and the latest safety advice to travellers.

EasyJet scraps Tel Aviv flights

EasyJet has suspended all flights to Tel Aviv over safety concerns.

The budget airline told Sky News it has grounded its flights until 27 October at the earliest "as a result of the continued evolving situation" in the region.

Wizz Air customers could see schedule changes

Wizz Air cancelled flights to Tel Aviv on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 April before resuming its schedule.

But it said customers could experience schedule changes as it closely monitors the situation.

British Airways operating as normal

British Airways - which operates four daily return flights per week between Heathrow and Tel Aviv - said its flights were continuing to operate as planned, but it too was monitoring the situation.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

Turkey is a popular holiday destination for people from the UK with the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism saying that last year 3.16 million Britons made the journey there, according to Travel Weekly.

Yet, it borders a number of countries that the Foreign Office advises against travel to.

The vast majority of the country is considered generally safe for tourists, with some exceptions.

The Foreign Office advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria , and all but essential travel to the Sirnak and Hakkari provinces.

Is it safe to travel to Israel?

Some parts of Israel are considered "red zones" by the Foreign Office, with the government advising against all travel there.

For the rest of the country - including East Jerusalem and Tel Aviv - the advice is to travel only if it is essential.

Tourist Israel says around 220,000 Britons usually go to the country every year and the Foreign Office is advising against travel close to the border with Gaza, within 5km of the border with Lebanon and within 500m of the border with Syria.

You can see the full updated list of "red zones" on the Foreign Office advice pages.

Occupied Palestinian territories

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Gaza and the West Bank.

Don't travel to Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon or Syria - Foreign Office

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.

It advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), where it advises against all but "essential travel".

Can I safely go on holiday in Egypt?

The main tourist areas in Egypt are generally considered safe, including the capital Cairo, cities along the Nile and Red Sea resorts.

Over 1.5 million British Nationals visit Egypt every year, according to analysts Gitnux, and the areas the Foreign Office warns not to travel to include the Governorate of North Sinai, where the Rafah crossing to Gaza is located, and within 20km of the border with Libya.

Read more: Are we heading for World War Three? Experts give their verdicts What are Iran's military capabilities - and where could it strike?

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Check advice on other Middle East states before you travel

Following Iran's attack on Israel, the Foreign Office issued a warning relating to several countries in the surrounding area, telling travellers to check for the latest information.

Included in this are popular destinations like Dubai (visited by more than a million Britons last year according to Travel Weekly) and Marrakech.

"On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel. Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast," the FCDO said in a statement.

The countries covered by the warning include Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Jordan and Oman.

Anywhere else of concern?

Cyprus is near the region and has a large UK airbase but, as yet, there is no change in travel advice to the popular country.

Related Topics

• Israel-Hamas war
• Middle East

Hamas says it's preparing to respond to Israel's latest Gaza cease-fire proposal

Updated April 27, 2024 at 12:10 PM ET

Hamas says it's examining the latest Israeli suggestions for a cease-fire in Gaza, seven months into the conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and that Israeli leaders have said could soon intensify further if a deal between the two sides is not reached.

International efforts are continuing to try to firm up areas of agreement, with mediators led by Egypt at the heart of efforts to encourage both sides to end the violence.

A senior Hamas official told NPR that the militant group would respond to Israel's latest proposed conditions once it had examined them in full, but was "still studying" them and there was "no scheduled timing" for their response.

He did not offer specifics about Israel's proposals, but said it followed conditions Hamas had laid down earlier this month, which focused on an exchange involving Israeli captives held in Gaza for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel, as well as a six-week cessation of hostilities.

An Egyptian delegation left Israel on Friday, an official told AP, after holding discussions over the possibility of a multi-phase and lengthy Gaza cease-fire. The plan would allow civilians currently in the south of the territory to return to their homes further north, and might eventually lead to a more permanent agreement that ends the fighting altogether.

A major U.S. concern — shared by its international partners — is that the Israeli military will launch a full-scale assault on Gaza's southernmost city, Rafah, were more than a million Palestinians have sought shelter after fleeing the widespread fighting elsewhere in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has argued that further ground-based military action in Rafah is necessary for it to destroy remaining groups of Hamas fighters. But several countries including neighboring Egypt have said that any such offensive by the Israelis would have even more severe consequences for civilians, and could further destabilize the broader region.

Nonetheless Israeli forces have massed around the city, where airstrikes continue to take place daily. On Saturday one airstrike in the city killed four children, according to local health officials. Hamas has repeatedly said it will not enter into a new agreement unless it contains a provision for a permanent truce.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military has begun construction of an offshore loading platform to help deliver more aid to Gaza, with plans for trucks to be ferried from that platform to a temporary pier on the Gaza coastline as part of a large-scale operation that could begin within weeks.

An official from the World Economic Forum said senior leaders, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, will meet in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh next week. The prime minister of Qatar, another nation at the center of Gaza cease-fire negotiations will attend, alongside the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as well as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He will travel there after an expected Tuesday visit to Israel as the State Department is reviewing whether to suspend aid for an Israel military unit that it found had committed serious human rights violations against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Meanwhile China will also host senior leaders from Abbas' Fatah party and Hamas next week for further talks, designed to help heal a long-running political dispute between the two factions that had until Oct. 7 ruled respectively over Gaza and the West Bank. The U.S. government does not publicly support any such reconciliation, given that it considers Hamas a terrorist group but recognizes the legitimacy of Fatah and its leadership of the Palestinian Authority that exercises limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank.

Copyright 2024 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Is it safe to visit Morocco? Latest travel advice

F ollowing the outbreak of war in Israel and Gaza and the recent escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran, some people may be concerned about the safety of travelling to Morocco or other areas in North Africa and the Middle East right now.

Here’s everything you need to know about travel to Morocco, whether it is safe to visit, and your rights if you do decide to cancel your upcoming holiday.

What does the FCDO say about travel to Morocco?

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not issued any blanket advisories against travel to Morocco. This means that travel insurance will be valid when visiting the country.

However, the FCDO has updated its advice to say: “On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel. On 19 April, there have been reports of explosions in Iran, and unconfirmed reports of explosions in Syria and Iraq. Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.”

You can see the full Morocco FCDO advice here .

Are flights still operating as usual to Morocco?

Yes. Flights from the UK to Morocco do not go in the vicinity of the Middle East. Morocco is 2,500 miles away from Tel Aviv as the crow flies. By way of comparison, London is closer: 2,200 miles from Israel. So geographical proximity alone should not be a consideration for any upcoming travel plans.

Is Morocco impacted by the Israel-Hamas war?

To date Morocco has not been impacted by the conflict, although large-scale pro-Palestine marches have taken place in the country. The FCDO warns: “There is currently a heightened chance of demonstrations and protests occurring across the country. You should avoid these gatherings, and be aware of the potential for protests to occur spontaneously. Protests can happen at short notice and are generally heavily policed. Demonstrations are mostly peaceful but there has been isolated violence. Demonstrations and protests may lead to increased travel disruption in affected areas.”

Is Morocco still recovering from the 2023 earthquake?

On September 8, 2023, a 6.8–6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the Marrakesh–Safi region of Morocco. The epicentre was 45 miles (73km) southwest of Marrakesh, near the small town of Ighil and the Oukaïmeden ski resort in the Atlas Mountains.

Some 3,000 people were killed and more than 6.6 million Moroccans were affected by the earthquake, according to the Moroccan government.

There was considerable devastation across the remote mountain communities of the Atlas Mountains, and Marrakech, a city popular among tourists, experienced significant damage including building collapses. In some parts of the country the rebuilding process continues, but Marrakech’s airport is open and the country is very much open for tourism once again.

On the subject of earthquakes in Morocco, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) says: “Morocco is in an earthquake zone. Minor earthquakes happen occasionally. The last major earthquake was in 2023, which killed almost 3000 people. Familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake and take note of any instructions in hotel rooms.”

Is terrorism a risk in Morocco?

In 2018, two tourists were murdered while hiking near Mount Toubkal, and the FCDO advises: “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Morocco.”

The FCDO adds: “There is an increased threat linked to the number of Moroccans sympathetic or belonging to Daesh (formerly ISIL) and other extremist groups. Authorities regularly disrupt terrorist cells.”

Places at higher risk include crowded areas, government installations, transportation networks, businesses with Western interest, and areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather.

“Be vigilant in these areas and follow any specific advice of the local security authorities,” the FCDO adds.

What if I want to cancel my holiday?

If you have booked a package holiday to Morocco and want to cancel your trip for any reason, contact your tour operator and they might offer flexibility with alternative dates. 

But bear in mind that, because the Foreign Office has not issued any formal advice against travel to Turkey, there is no guarantee you will receive a refund, nor will you be able to claim money back with your travel insurance company.

If you have booked flights and accommodation independently, and wish to cancel your holiday, contact your travel providers as soon as possible to see if you can rearrange your plans. Note, however, that given the circumstances, it is unlikely you will receive a full refund.

This story was first published in October 2023 and has been revised and updated.

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Biden jokes, warns against Trump at White House correspondents’ dinner shadowed by war in Gaza

WASHINGTON (AP) - The war in Gaza spurred large protests outside a glitzy roast with President Joe Biden, journalists, politicians and celebrities Saturday but went all but unmentioned by participants inside, with Biden instead using the annual White House correspondents’ dinner to make both jokes and grim warnings about Republican rival Donald Trump’s fight to reclaim the U.S. presidency.

An evening normally devoted to presidents, journalists and comedians taking outrageous pokes at political scandals and each other often seemed this year to illustrate the difficulty of putting aside the coming presidential election and the troubles in the Middle East and elsewhere.

Biden opened his roast with a direct but joking focus on Trump, calling him “sleepy Don,” in reference to a nickname Trump had given the president previously.

Despite being similar in age, Biden said, the two presidential hopefuls have little else in common. “My vice president actually endorses me,” Biden said. Former Trump Vice President Mike Pence has refused to endorse Trump’s reelection bid.

But the president quickly segued to a grim speech about what he believes is at stake this election, saying that another Trump administration would be even more harmful to America than his first term.

“We have to take this serious — eight years ago we could have written it off as ‘Trump talk’ but not after January 6,” Biden told the audience, referring to the supporters of Trump who stormed the Capitol after Biden defeated Trump in the 2020 election.

Trump did not attend Saturday’s dinner and never attended the annual banquet as president. In 2011, he sat in the audience, and glowered through a roasting by then-President Barack Obama of Trump’s reality-television celebrity status. Obama’s sarcasm then was so scalding that many political watchers linked it to Trump’s subsequent decision to run for president in 2016.

Biden’s speech, which lasted around 10 minutes, made no mention of the ongoing war or the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

One of the few mentions came from Kelly O’Donnell, president of the correspondents’ association, who briefly noted some 100 journalists killed in Israel’s 6-month-old war against Hamas in Gaza. In an evening dedicated in large part to journalism, O’Donnell cited journalists who have been detained across the world, including Americans Evan Gershkovich in Russia and Austin Tice, who is believed to be held in Syria. Families of both men were in attendance as they have been at previous dinners.

To get inside Saturday’s dinner, some guests had to hurry through hundreds of protesters outraged over the mounting humanitarian disaster for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. They condemned Biden for his support of Israel’s military campaign and Western news outlets for what they said was undercoverage and misrepresentation of the conflict.

“Shame on you!” protesters draped in the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh cloth shouted, running after men in tuxedos and suits and women in long dresses holding clutch purses as guests hurried inside for the dinner.

“Western media we see you, and all the horrors that you hide,” crowds chanted at one point.

Other protesters lay sprawled motionless on the pavement, next to mock-ups of flak vests with “press” insignia.

Ralliers cried “Free, free Palestine.” They cheered when at one point someone inside the Washington Hilton — where the dinner has been held for decades — unfurled a Palestinian flag from a top-floor hotel window.

Criticism of the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has spread through American college campuses, with students pitching encampments and withstanding police sweeps in an effort to force their universities to divest from Israel. Counterprotests back Israel’s offensive and complain of antisemitism.

Biden’s motorcade Saturday took an alternate route from the White House to the Washington Hilton than in previous years, largely avoiding the crowds of demonstrators.

Saturday’s event drew nearly 3,000 people. Celebrities included Academy Award winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Scarlett Johansson, Jon Hamm and Chris Pine.

Both the president and comedian Colin Jost, who spoke after Biden, made jabs at the age of both the candidates for president. “I’m not saying both candidates are old. But you know Jimmy Carter is out there thinking, ‘maybe I can win this thing,’” Jost said. “He’s only 99.”

Law enforcement, including the Secret Service, instituted extra street closures and other measures to ensure what Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said would be the “highest levels of safety and security for attendees.”

Protest organizers said they aimed to bring attention to the high numbers of Palestinian and other Arab journalists killed by Israel’s military since the war began in October.

More than two dozen journalists in Gaza wrote a letter last week calling on their colleagues in Washington to boycott the dinner altogether.

“The toll exacted on us for merely fulfilling our journalistic duties is staggering,” the letter stated. “We are subjected to detentions, interrogations, and torture by the Israeli military, all for the ‘crime’ of journalistic integrity.”

One organizer complained that the White House Correspondents’ Association — which represents the hundreds of journalists who cover the president — largely has been silent since the first weeks of the war about the killings of Palestinian journalists. WHCA did not respond to a request for comment.

According to a preliminary investigation released Friday by the Committee to Protect Journalists, nearly 100 journalists have been killed covering the war in Gaza. Israel has defended its actions, saying it has been targeting militants.

“Since the Israel-Gaza war began, journalists have been paying the highest price — their lives — to defend our right to the truth. Each time a journalist dies or is injured, we lose a fragment of that truth,” CPJ Program Director Carlos Martínez de la Serna said in a statement.

Sandra Tamari, executive director of Adalah Justice Project, a U.S.-based Palestinian advocacy group that helped organize the letter from journalists in Gaza, said “it is shameful for the media to dine and laugh with President Biden while he enables the Israeli devastation and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza.”

In addition, Adalah Justice Project started an email campaign targeting 12 media executives at various news outlets — including The Associated Press — expected to attend the dinner who previously signed onto a letter calling for the protection of journalists in Gaza.

“How can you still go when your colleagues in Gaza asked you not to?” a demonstrator asked guests heading in. “You are complicit.”

Associated Press writers Mike Balsamo, Aamer Madhani, Fatima Hussein and Tom Strong contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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