In a move reflecting the escalating tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. The update, issued on Saturday, authorizes the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their eligible family members from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the U.S. Branch Office in Tel Aviv.
The decision comes amid an "unpredictable security situation in Israel," as stated in the advisory. This move replaces the previous Travel Advisory that was issued on October 11, 2023.
The updated guidance maintains its previous stance, advising Americans to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank due to concerns of "terrorism and civil unrest." Furthermore, it strongly advises against any travel to Gaza, citing "terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict" as the primary reasons. The advisory comes at a time when Israel is expected to proceed with its ground invasion of Gaza over the weekend.
The U.S. began charter flights for American citizens and their immediate families out of Israel on Friday, further emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The advisory provides a detailed breakdown of the risks associated with traveling to the mentioned regions:
- Gaza: Travelers are advised not to travel to Gaza due to the threats of terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict. The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Gaza since U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there. The advisory notes that Hamas, a U.S. government-designated foreign terrorist organization, controls the security infrastructure in Gaza. The security environment within Gaza and on its borders is described as "dangerous and volatile."
- Israel: Americans are advised to reconsider travel to Israel due to terrorism and civil unrest. The advisory notes that U.S. government employees are currently restricted from personal travel other than mission-critical travel in Israel. The Embassy can impose even greater travel restrictions on its personnel, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.
- West Bank: Similar to Israel, Americans are advised to reconsider travel to the West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest. U.S. government employees are currently restricted from personal travel other than mission-critical travel in the West Bank.
The State Department has urged those who decide to travel to these regions to maintain a high degree of situational awareness, avoid demonstrations and crowds, and follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials. They also recommend enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate individuals in an emergency.
The situation in the region remains fluid, and travelers are advised to stay updated with the latest information and exercise caution.
