In the wake of deadly Hamas attacks on Israel, the US
State Department has advised Americans to reconsider travelling to Israel and
has issued travel advisory.
The travel advisory for the West Bank has been raised
to level 3, while the advisory for Gaza remains at the most severe – Level 4:
Do Not Travel.
“On October 11, the Department of State raised the
Travel Advisory Level for Israel and the West Bank to Level 3 – Reconsider
Travel. The Travel Advisory for Gaza remains Level 4 – Do Not Travel. This
replaces the previous Travel Advisory issued on October 3,” said the department’s
official statement.
The agency raised its travel advisory to level 3,
citing the terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists
continuing to plot “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, the West Bank and Gaza
without warning. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout
Israel, some with little or no warning, the statement added.
“Individuals should follow the instructions of
security and emergency response officials,” the 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, adding, “Please check with the
airlines on the availability of flights and flight status. US citizens in Gaza
who wish to leave and can do so safely are advised to check the status of the
Rafah Crossing into Egypt.”
In a major escalation on October 7, Hamas launched a “surprise
attack” on Israel, firing a barrage of rockets into the southern and central
parts of the country.
The Israel Defence Force (IDF) spokesperson Lieutenant
Colonel Jonathan Conricus said 1,200 Israelis have been killed and over 2,700
wounded while emphasising that the Israeli soldiers are ready to execute the
mission in Gaza.
As the US administration continues its efforts to
support Israel and deploy military assets to the region, various US Government
agencies are working behind the scenes to construct an accurate assessment of
the situation on the ground.
During a recent roundtable discussion with members of
the Jewish community at the White House, President Joe Biden assured his
unwavering commitment to hostage rescue efforts.
He emphasized that while the administration is
actively addressing the crisis, specific details cannot be disclosed as it
could jeopardize their safe return.
Biden also issued a stark warning to Iran to “be
careful” around its actions in the region following Hamas attack on Israel.
“The US is surging additional military assistance to
the Israeli Defence 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.
ANI
