After the outbreak of war between Israel And Hamas activists in Gaza and the escalation of tensions in the region, US Department of State issued a “global” travel advisory, warning Americans exercise increased caution to avoid becoming a victim of possible terrorist attacks.
The alert came after widespread protests broke out across the country. Middle East after hundreds of people were reported dead in an explosion at al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza.
Palestinian officials blamed an Israeli airstrike for the explosion, while the Israeli military said the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group was responsible – blaming an alleged faulty launch of a rocket intended to hit Israel. The JIP also denied any responsibility.
US officials, including President Joe Biden, have sided with the IDF, publicly stating that “Israel probably did not bomb the hospital in the Gaza Strip.”
The explosion caused widespread anger across the Middle East, particularly in the Middle East. Lebanon where protesters set fire to the American embassy in Beirut.
The United States initially released travel tips warning Americans not to travel to Lebanon, but the advisory has since been updated to warn U.S. citizens traveling anywhere in the world.
The move took place a day later Mr Biden returns from visit to Tel Aviv meet the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahupledging US support for Israel.
So, is it safe for Americans to travel right now?
The latest government advisory warns all Americans to exercise caution when traveling anywhere in the world – and in particular not to travel to Gaza, the Western BankIsrael and Lebanon.
The “global” travel advisory, issued by the State Department on October 20, warned Americans to exercise caution when traveling due to the possibility of terrorist attacks.
“Due to increased tensions in various regions of the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, protests, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens abroad to exercise due diligence. “increased caution,” the agency warned.
U.S. citizens should “remain vigilant in places frequented by tourists.”
The State Department also urged Americans not to travel to Gaza due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest and armed conflict. American citizens were also asked to reconsider travel to the West Bank and Israel.
US embassy in Beirut burns amid protests
(Anadolu via Getty Images)
“Terrorist groups, lone terrorists and other violent extremists continue to prepare for possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist hotspots, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities,” the department warned.
“Violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza without warning,” the statement continued.
The State Department also noted that “there has been a marked increase in protests across Israel, some with little or no warning.”
A “do not travel” advisory was also issued for Lebanon following the outbreak of violent protests outside the US embassy in Beirut.
The advisory warned Americans to “avoid demonstrations and exercise caution if near large gatherings” due to “the unpredictable security situation related to exchanges of rockets, missiles and artillery between the United States and the United States.” Israel and Hezbollah or other armed militant factions.”
Non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were allowed to leave all four regions.
