Countries including France, India, Russia, Poland and the UK have advised people not to travel to Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and in some cases the wider region amid threats of Iranian attacks in response to this month's attacks on Iran. warning the public. Consulate in Damascus.
Iran has threatened to retaliate against Israel over the April 1 attack on the Syrian capital that killed seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two generals, leading to fears of escalating violence in the Middle East. ing.
France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs advised citizens on Friday not to travel to Iran, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories.
The ministry said in a statement on social media platform he added.
Britain has urged its citizens to avoid all but non-essential travel to Israel and Palestine due to “the possibility of an attack on Israeli territory by Iran”.
In an update, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in an update that it will continue to operate in northern Israel, the Gaza Strip, the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank (excluding occupied East Jerusalem and the National Highway 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv). He warned against “all travel.”
Russia strongly advised its citizens to “refrain from traveling to the region” and highlighted the security risks to Israel, Lebanon and Palestine.
“The situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone and the 'Blue Line' area between Lebanon and Israel remains unstable,” the Foreign Ministry said.
Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also advised against traveling to Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon.
“We cannot rule out the possibility of a sudden escalation of military operations, which would create serious difficulties in our withdrawal from these three countries,” the country said in a statement. “If the situation escalates, air traffic could be severely restricted and land borders could not be crossed.”
India's statement singled out Iran and Israel and called on Indian citizens not to travel to both countries until further notice, considering the “prevailing situation in the region.”
New Delhi's Ministry of External Affairs said Indian nationals in the two countries should take “maximum safety precautions and minimize movement”.
Meanwhile, Germany warned its citizens to leave the country specifically from Iran, saying escalating tensions could affect exit routes.
“Current tensions, particularly those between Israel and Iran, risk a sudden escalation,” the Foreign Office said. “German citizens are at specific risk of being arbitrarily arrested, interrogated and sentenced to long prison terms. Dual nationals with Iranian and German nationality are particularly at risk. ” he added.
Separately, Germany's flagship airline Lufthansa extended the suspension of flights to and from Tehran until Thursday and will not use Iranian airspace during that time.
Real and viable threat, US says
The United States restricts personal travel for Israeli employees and their families outside of the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Beersheba metropolitan areas.
U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Friday that an imminent attack on Israel by Iran is a “real” and “viable” threat, adding that the U.S. government is “We'll make sure we get what we need and what they can do,” he added. Protect yourself. ”
On Friday, President Joe Biden told reporters, “We are dedicated to the defense of Israel. We will support Israel. We will support the defense of Israel, but Iran will not succeed. .”
The top US commander for the Middle East, General Eric Kurilla, is also visiting Israel to discuss security threats with military officials. Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Thursday that his visit had been moved forward “due to recent developments.”
After Kurilla discussed tensions with Iran with Israeli Defense Minister Yov Gallant on Friday, Gallant said the United States and Israel are dealing “shoulder to shoulder” with possible threats.
“We work closely with our partners and are ready to defend ourselves on the ground and in the air, and we know how to respond,” the defense secretary added.
The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Israel is preparing for an Iranian attack as early as Friday or Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Al Jazeera's Hamda Sarhat, reporting from East Jerusalem, said the Israeli military announced that it was preparing on all fronts, both offensive and defensive.
“A few weeks ago, Israel raised its alert level, called up reservists and strengthened its air defense systems,” she said, adding that Israeli officials said they were prepared for anything.
Israel has bombarded the Gaza Strip and sent ground forces since October 7, killing at least 33,600 Palestinians and wounding more than 76,000. On October 7, Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing more than 1,100 people.
Israel has also stepped up attacks against Iranians and allies in Syria and Lebanon, and has engaged in near-daily cross-border firefights with Lebanese group Hezbollah since the start of the war.
