07 October 2023 , 18:25
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Foreign Office has warned Brits not to travel to some parts of Israel after Hamas militants fired thousands of rockets at Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip today.
The unprecedented attack, which happened during a major Jewish holiday, has killed at least 150 people in Israel. Reacting to this, Foreign Office, known in full as Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office recommends no Brits travel to Gaza, the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar and to anywhere near the border with Lebanon, and the east of Metula, including the northern edge of the town and anywhere near the border with Syria in the northeast.
Foreign Office has issued a map, with a key, to highlight which areas Brits shouldn't travel to (Gov.uk)
An Iron Dome counter attack in Ashdod following rocket launches from Gaza (ABIR SULTAN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)The British government department has issued a map highlight these areas in red. Other parts, highlighted in yellow, are areas the Foreign Office says Brits should travel to in "essential" circumstances, though it doesn't state what it seems as "essential". These include areas north of and including Jenin city, Burqin and Arranah in the north of the West Bank. This includes Jenin refugee camp and all areas north of this until the Jalamah checkpoint for access to Israel The city of Nablus, Joseph’s Tomb, and the Balata and New Askar refugee camps near Nablus and the village of Huwara, south of Nablus are also on the risk list.
The list could change as the situation in Israel changes, the government stresses. It also says check travel insurance and get cover if you haven't already. Writing on its website, Foreign Office says: "Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including places visited by foreigners including the Old City in Jerusalem, on public transport, and in busy public spaces.
"There have been repeated instances of rocket fire from Gaza, which may occur well beyond the Gaza border area; Israel has often responded with air strikes into Gaza. Make sure you know the safety actions that you should take if an Israeli warning siren sounds, follow advice from local authorities and stay informed of the security situation through the media and this travel advice. No warning sirens will sound inside Gaza.
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"You should also exercise extreme caution when considering visiting Palestinian refugee camps which have previously been the site of violent clashes (we advise against all but essential travel to the camps in Jenin and Nablus)."
Israeli forces clash with Palestinians near the Israel-Gaza border (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)There have been stabbings, shootings, arson, vehicle rammings and stone-throwing attacks on people and vehicles in Israel and the West Bank, involved protestors (both Israelis and Palestinians), Israeli security forces, and civilians (including Israeli settlers). There have also been large political demonstrations across Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, which have the potential to escalate and become violent. Entry and exit to Ben Gurion Airport, the main international airport of Israel, has occasionally been impacted during political demonstrations.
The British government added: "There is a risk of increased tension around Jewish high holidays (Passover, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Succoth), during Ramadan, in particular Laylat Al Qadr (dates vary), Thursday evenings, after Friday prayers, Saturday evenings and on other religious holidays and anniversaries. This is heightened when different religious or national holidays overlap."