Governments around the world have updated advice for travel to Israel after the country formally declared war following new and unprecedented incursions out of Gaza by militant organisation Hamas.
With Israel promising “significant military steps” in retaliation for Hamas’ attack from the Gaza Strip, the death toll from the conflict has already passed 1,000 on both sides, with thousands more wounded, the ABC reported.
The Australian Government has raised its travel advice for Israel, telling travellers to “Exercise a high degree of caution in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories overall due to civil unrest and the threat of terrorist attack, rocket fire and military confrontation”.
It also continues to advise travellers to “not travel to Gaza due to the dangerous and uncertain security situation”.
“We now also advise do not travel to areas near the border with Gaza due to ongoing armed conflict,” The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) says.
“Rockets have been fired at Israel from Gaza. There have been separate terror attacks on civilians. Authorities are also monitoring security on Israel’s northern border and have asked residents of some towns to evacuate, including in Rosh Hanikra, Adamit, Bezet and Hanita.
“Monitor local media and public safety information updates through the National Emergency Portal (accessible in Israel only).
“If you need emergency consular assistance, contact the Australian Government’s Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305. We may not be able to provide consular help in Gaza.”
Australia’s advice is in line with similar US and UK government warnings.
Main airport open
The Israel Ministry of Tourism urged all tourists “to stay close to buildings and protected spaces”.
“In light of the complex security situation that began this morning in the southern part of the country and surrounds Gaza and affects large areas of the country, we ask all tourists to obey the instructions of the security authorities,” it stated.
The Ministry also said that the country’s main gateway, Ben Gurion Airport outside of Tel Aviv is “working as usual”.
“Please check with your airline if the flight is going as usual,” it advised.
“If a flight was cancelled or you want to change your flight, please contact your airline, travel agent, or travel insurance company. You might check with your embassy for more details and instructions.”
It added that the country’s land borders with Egypt and Jordan are open and “working”.
“No changes” at EL AL
Meanwhile, Israel’s flag carrier said on social media, “At the moment, there are no changes to the flight schedule”.
“EL AL Airlines operates in accordance with the instructions of the Israeli security forces, and is in ongoing, direct contact with them,” it stated.
It is however, enabling some concessions for customers who wish to make changes to their travel plans.
According to CNN, by Saturday afternoon carriers had cancelled around 16 per cent and delayed 23 per cent of flights into Ben Gurion, with some services to Israel diverted to other ports.
Delta Air Lines and American Airlines cancelled Israel-bound flights on Saturday and Sunday ex-JFK Airport in New York City, per FlightAware data.
Meanwhile, Lufthansa said on Saturday it would significantly reduce flights to Tel Aviv.
“Against the background of the current security situation in Israel, Lufthansa Group Airlines is reducing its flight program to/from Tel Aviv this Saturday,” airline representatives said in a statement.
Swiss Air, Austrian Airlines and Turkish Airlines all cancelled flights to and from Israel, local news outlet Walla! News reported.
Elsewhere, Wizz Air diverted several flights headed to Israel when the attacks began.
According to the Independent, Brussels Airlines and SunExpress also cancelled flights, but a Virgin Atlantic flight landed at Tel Aviv at 5am (Sunday) as normal.
Tour operators’ updates
Several major tour operators have also given updates since the new conflict erupted.
Adventure tour company Intrepid Travel confirmed it had “a small number of travellers in Israel when violence broke out on Saturday”, but had safely accounted for all customers and tour leaders.
“Travellers initially stayed at their hotels with their tour leaders and most of them have now left the country, with the rest returning home tomorrow,” it added.
“As the situation in Israel and the Palestinian Territories is continuing to escalate and the Australian government is warning against all but essential travel, Intrepid has taken the decision to cancel all trips departing up until October 16. Our teams are contacting all customers affected.”
Intrepid Travel EMEA Managing Director Zina Bencheikh said, “Our thoughts are with the people of Israel and the Palestinian Territories at this awful time and we send our condolences to all those who have lost loved ones”.
“All safe and well”
Meanwhile, Bunnik Tours expressed its sympathies for “all those caught up in this terrible situation and we hope that peace prevails soon”.
“Bunnik Tours currently has no passengers on the ground in Israel. Effective immediately we have suspended all touring in Israel until further notice,” it added.
“We have a number of Egypt, Jordan and Israel tours running and about to depart. All clients on tour are safe and well.
“The tours on the ground are being changed to avoid Israel with additional nights and sightseeing in Jordan and Egypt. All impacted clients and their travel agents were contacted over the weekend.
Elsewhere, small group adventure company Explore Worldwide said that it had no customers in Israel over the weekend.
“We’re all very sorry to hear of the unfortunate events in Israel,” Explore Regional Director AU/NZ Ben Ittensohn told Karryon.
“We did have one group who was due to travel across the border from Jordan yesterday which did not happen. Future departures are being reviewed for the safety of our customers.”
Earlier this year, the first non-stop flights between Australia and Israel moved a step closer for 2024.