Light up:Fallout from War in Israel Includes Flight & Travel Cancellations

The surprise attack on Oct. 7 included ground assaults on communities in the southern part of the country close to Hamas-run Gaza as well as rocket attacks reaching as far north as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with militants launching thousands of rockets at both military and civilian targets. Hamas gunmen attacked Israeli soldiers and civilians alike, including killing hundreds of people attending an outdoor music festival and kidnapping others.

American citizens are among the victims of the attacks, with the overall death toll already topping 1,000 people in Israel and Gaza.

Travel Warnings for Israel, Gaza and the West Bank

In response, the U.S. State Department reinforced its travel warnings about traveling to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza on Oct. 9, noting: “The situation in Israel remains dynamic; mortar and rocket fire may take place without warning. Individuals should follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials.”

Even prior to the October attacks, Americans were warned not to travel to Gaza and cautioned about the extensive dangers facing visitors to Israel.

“Terrorist groups, lone-wolf terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza,” according to the State Department’s advisory last updated Oct. 3. “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 and the West Bank and Gaza without warning. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, some with little or no warning.”

Ben Gurion International Airport remains open, but American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have all suspended their flights to Tel Aviv. Some international carriers, like British Airways and Emirates, have continued to fly to Israel.

In an Oct. 8 alert, Tel Aviv travel company Tourist Israel advised travelers already in the country that the safest place to be is in their hotel or other accommodations. “Please stay inside, and if you hear a siren, go to your nearest shelter,” according to the company’s website.

Nonetheless, Tourist Israel maintained that “Ultimately, it is safe to travel in Israel, though nervous travelers are encouraged to consider joining a [group],” adding: “The situation in the south of the country doesn’t affect tourists who are traveling in most areas of Israel. That being said, you should always be sure to check and adhere to your country’s travel advisories.”

Industry reps recommended that Americans check with the U.S. Department of State for the advisories posted there before making any decision about travel to Israel.