In the sake of its nationals, the US State Department has issued a global alert amid the continuing Israel-Hamas conflict. On October 19, 2023, the US State Department also posted rules and instructions on the website travel.state.gov in response to growing security threats worldwide.
“Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” noted the travel advisory notice.
These are the policies and directives issued by the US State Department.
- In areas that are popular with visitors, remain vigilant.
- Join the Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme (STEP) to get alerts and information that will help find you in the event of an emergency abroad.
- Observe the State Department on Twitter and Facebook.
Notably, the travel alert was revised to Level 4: Do Not Travel by the US Embassy in Lebanon just one day ago.
“Due to the unpredictable security situation in Lebanon, the Department of State has authorized the voluntary departure of family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency personnel on a case-by-case basis from U.S. Embassy Beirut,” read the advisory note posted by the US Embassy in Lebanon.
As a result of a misdirected missile striking a hospital and perhaps killing up to 300 Palestinians, hostilities between Israel and Hamas have apparently reached an all-time high. Who shot the rocket, though, is not officially proven. Global anti-Israel sentiment has been incensed by the event, and violent protests have followed.
Israel is also dealing with retaliatory attacks on its territory amid the ongoing conflict. Missiles were fired at the Tel Aviv district of Israel on Thursday. Israel has been killing Hamas officials in the meanwhile as part of its continuing onslaught.