Travelers should know about the conflict’s impact on travel, and how to help victims of the violence. Remember, For trips in the coming days or weeks, the safest thing to do is to postpone travel.
Some areas are prone to more risk as far as the Israel-Palestine conflict is concerned. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
You have already planned an exciting itinerary for Israel and Palestine or worse, booked the package! Now that there is an armed conflict, you are confused about whether to stick to your travel plan or…? Let’s find out how to tackle this situation. Also, we will try and understand the genesis of the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
To begin with, Israel is a democracy with a diverse population. This includes Jewish, Arab, and other communities. Israel is located in the Middle East. Israel was established in 1948. Israel is bordered by Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest. The city of Jerusalem is an important religious center for many religions. It is a pivotal point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
On the other hand, Palestine is a geographic region in West Asia. It includes the modern State of Israel and the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The West Bank shares a border with Jordan to the east. However, Gaza Strip is situated along the Mediterranean coast, sharing a border with Israel and Egypt.
The Israel-Palestine conflict revolves around the historical and political struggle between Israelis and Palestinians. They want control over the land they both consider home. The conflict involves complex issues such as borders and the status of Jerusalem. There are also issues like the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the establishment of an official Palestinian state.
It has resulted in many wars and increasing tensions. There have been numerous attempts at peace negotiations also. But nothing has worked out so far.
Now that the situation is tense, let’s consider if it is safe to travel now.
Why have Israel and Palestine Reached this Moment Now?
It is common for violence to break out between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. On most occasions, Hamas throws rockets over the Gaza border into Israel. These are intercepted by the Iron Dome. This is Israel’s sophisticated missile defence system. The impact in Israel is usually minimal. Israel then responded in the densely populated Gaza Strip.
Surprisingly, what happened last weekend was unprecedented in its scale. Militants attacked Israeli communication towers with improvised explosives. They breached the Gaza-Israel border fence within minutes. Moreover, they assumed control of several Israeli communities. The attackers paraglided over the border. The militants also gunned down civilians at a music festival.
Hamas killed at least 1,200 people in the attack. Many people including women, children, and the elderly were taken hostage. It seems Israel’s military was taken by surprise. It was the deadliest attack Israel has seen in decades.
In response, Israel has laid siege to Gaza. Hundreds of airstrikes have killed at least 1,000 Palestinians. Many people have been displaced. It has cut off electricity, food, and fuel supplies.
Now that you have understood the present scenario between Israel and Palestine, let’s find out the core of the issue and whether it is safe to travel now.
Israel and Palestine- The Historical Conflict
The Israel-Palestine conflict history is deeply rooted. The origin of the conflict can be traced back to the late 19th century when nationalist movements emerged in the Middle East.
In the late 1800s, a Zionist movement emerged in Europe. It was led by Theodor Herzl, advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. This movement was widespread, especially after the Balfour Declaration in 1917.
Britain also expressed support for the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine. As the influx of Jewish immigrants increased tensions with the Arab population led to clashes.
Partition Plan of the United Nations
After World War II, the United Nations proposed a partition plan in 1947. It called for dividing Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. Jerusalem had to be known as an international city. The Jewish leadership accepted the plan, but the Arab nations rejected it.
This led to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The war resulted in the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs became refugees as a result of the conflict.
Violent Clashes
During the 1950s and 1960s, the conflict continued. There was a series of wars between Israel and its Arab neighbors. This included the Suez Crisis (1956), the Six-Day War (1967), and the Yom Kippur War (1973). These conflicts embittered the territorial disputes.
Following the Six-Day War, Israel occupied the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Then the Israeli settlements in these territories became a major point of conflict. The international community, including the United Nations, considers these settlements illegal under international law. The construction of settlements has been a major obstacle to peace negotiations.
Intifadas
All this while, the Palestinian resistance against Israeli occupation was growing stronger. It led to two major uprisings known as Intifadas. The First Intifada began in 1987. It was marked by widespread protests. The Second Intifada took place in 2000. There was a surge in violence, suicide bombings, and Israeli military operations. Both Intifadas resulted in significant loss of lives. The distrust between the two countries increased.
Derailed Peace Process
There have been continuous efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution. The Oslo Accords, signed in the 1990s, aimed at establishing a framework for a two-state solution. However, the process faced obstacles. This included disputes over the borders, refugees, and the status of Jerusalem. So far no resolution has been reached.
What about the Gaza Strip and Hamas?
The Gaza Strip was under Israeli occupation until 2005. It has since been governed by the militant group Hamas. The blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt has had severe humanitarian consequences. There have been periodic outbreaks of violence between Hamas and Israel, such as the Gaza-Israel conflicts in 2008-2009, 2012, and 2014.
Israel Latest Travel Advisory 2023 for Indians & Other Country Citizens
The Israel latest travel advisory for indian says it is not recommended to travel to Israel. According to the Indian embassy, all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities.
A travel warning makes it easier for tourists to cancel trips they have already booked free of charge but it does not equate to a travel ban.
Citizens are advised to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay close to safety shelters. The same applies to citizens of other major countries, like the US, UK, and Australia. Germany has also issued a travel advisory of the highest level.
Palestine Latest Travel Advisory 2023 for Indians & Other Country Citizens
The latest Palestine travel advisory issued for Palestine recommends all citizens avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing regional armed conflict between Israel and Gaza Strip-based terrorists. The security situation has been described as unpredictable.
The India & UK advises against all but essential travel to Israel and Palestinian territories. Do not travel due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict in Israel and Palestine.
All major countries including the US, UK, Australia, Germany, and India have asked their citizens to avoid all non-essential travel. If you are planning to stay in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories, follow alerts to seek shelter.
Jerusalem Travel Advisory Latest Updates
The latest update regarding Jerusalem travel advisory says that the situation in Israel is still unpredictable. Mortar and rocket fire may take place without warning. Citizens have been urged to follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials. Commercial flights are available but extremely limited.
Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists, and other violent extremists continue to plot possible attacks in Israel the West Bank, and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning.
Is It Safe to Travel to Israel?
No, it is not safe to travel to Israel right now due to the war situation between Israel and Hamas. Governments all over the world continue to advise to reconsider the need to travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This is due to the volatile security situation, including the threat of terrorism, armed conflict, and civil unrest.
We continue to advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This is due to the volatile security situation, including the threat of terrorism, armed conflict, and civil unrest.
Also Read- How To Plan Your Trip On A Budget?
Is It Safe to Travel to Palestine?
No, it is not safe to travel to Palestine right now due to the war situation between Israel and Palestine. The advisory issued recommends not to travel to Gaza and areas near the border with Gaza due to ongoing armed conflict. There is a risk of violent incidents, including stabbings, shootings, and arson. Tourists can get caught in vehicle rammings and stone-throwing attacks.
The U.S. government employees are also currently restricted from personal travel other than mission-critical travel.
Tourists have been asked to avoid all travel to the West Bank due to the unpredictable security situation. This advisory excludes the following areas- Ramallah, Jericho, Bethlehem, Highway 1, and Route 90. Route 443 between Jerusalem and Modi’in, where you should avoid non-essential travel.
What if I have booked a holiday package to Israel or Palestine?
If you have booked a holiday package to Palestine or Israel and are due to travel immediately, you can cancel without penalty for a full refund. This is because of the “no-go” warning from most of the Foreign Offices around the world.
Also Read- 12 Places To Visit In the Middle East That’ll Make You Wow
A travel warning makes it easier for tourists to cancel trips they have already booked free of charge but it does not equate to a travel ban.
However, anyone due to travel to Israel immediately should speak to their travel company for the latest advice. They should monitor updates from the Foreign Office regularly.
Is Travel to Other Countries Near Israel Safe?
No, it is not recommended to travel to other countries near Israel according to the latest updates from travel advisories.
Syria
The latest travel update is concerning the border with Syria. Tourists have been told to avoid all travel to the parts of the Golan Heights that border Syria, east of Highway 98, due to militant and Israel Defense Forces activity. A high degree of caution is required in the cities of Buq’ata, Majdal Shams, and Mas’ada.
Egypt
You need to avoid all travel within 5 km of the border with Egypt due to the volatile security situation. This advisory excludes the city of Eilat and the Taba border crossing as well as Route 90 leading to it, where you should exercise a high degree of caution.
Lebanon
You need to avoid all travel to Lebanon. This is applicable, especially within 500 meters of the border with Lebanon. This advisory excludes the following cities, Ghajar. Metula and Rosh HaNikra where you should exercise a high degree of caution.
Conclusion
There is no end in sight to the trouble brewing between Israel and Palestine. There are unprecedented fears of an escalation of the crisis with Iran getting involved. However, the immediate thrust of the global powers is to stop the spread of the war. Since human lives are involved, an early resolution to the conflict seems to be the only hope. Till then travellers and tourists are advised to maintain restraint and caution regarding their visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, as per the latest updates. Tourists are advised not to travel to Israel, Gaza, or areas near the border with Gaza due to ongoing armed conflict. You need to monitor local media and public safety information updates through the National Emergency Portal (which is accessible in Israel only).
No, the U.S. and Indian citizens have been asked to re-consider the travel to Israel right now.
On the same day, the U.S. government raised its travel warning for Israel and the West Bank to Level 3 or “reconsider travel”. It is the second-highest level of travel warning.
If you have been traveling to Israel and are stuck there, remember the following points.
- Register your presence with your home government.
- Check the local news before traveling to see if there have been recent clashes.
- Be vigilant, and avoid any large gatherings or demonstrations.
- Avoid areas that have been the site of recent violence and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
- If you are in a location where an Israeli security operation or armed clashes are ongoing, you should stay inside.
- Wait for the local authorities to confirm the calm situation before moving to a different location.
No, tourists have been advised to reconsider their travel plans and exercise extreme caution. A high degree of caution is recommended when visiting the Old City of Jerusalem.
Gathering in the areas around Damascus Gate, Lions Gate, and the vicinity of the Al-Haram al Sharif/Temple Mount and Al Wad Street should be avoided.
Extreme caution should be exercised at checkpoints. Citizens are advised to follow all instructions given by the Israeli security forces.
