An excavator clears rubble after an attack on April 1, 2024, on Iran's consulate in the Syrian capital, Damascus
Several nations, including France, India, Russia, Poland, and the United Kingdom, have issued stern warnings to their citizens against traveling to Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories, and surrounding areas over rising tensions. This advisory comes amidst escalating tensions following threats of potential Iranian reprisals in response to an attack on its consulate in Damascus earlier this month.
Iran’s vow to retaliate against Israel, sparked by the strike in the Syrian capital on April 1 that claimed the lives of seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members, including two generals, has heightened fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East.
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, through a statement on social media, advised against travel to Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the Palestinian territories. Additionally, it announced the recall of relatives of diplomats based in Iran and prohibited French civil servants from undertaking missions in these regions.
The United Kingdom has urged its citizens to limit travel to Israel and Palestine to essential purposes, citing the potential threat of an Iranian attack on Israeli territory. In a recent update, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office expanded its advisory to include a complete travel ban to northern Israel, the Gaza Strip, and areas adjacent to Gaza and the occupied West Bank, except for occupied East Jerusalem and Route 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Russia has strongly advised its citizens to refrain from traveling to the region, emphasizing security risks in Israel, Lebanon, and Palestine. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the instability in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone and the area along the ‘Blue Line’ between Lebanon and Israel.
Poland’s Foreign Ministry also cautioned against travel to Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon, warning of potential difficulties in leaving these countries in the event of a sudden escalation of military operations, which could lead to significant restrictions in air traffic and border crossings.
India issued a similar advisory covering Iran and Israel, urging its citizens to exercise utmost caution and restrict their movements to a minimum due to the prevailing situation in the region.
Germany has specifically warned its citizens to leave Iran, citing the risk of escalating tensions, potential arbitrary arrests, and long prison sentences. Lufthansa, Germany’s flagship airline, has extended its suspension of flights to and from Tehran and will avoid Iranian airspace until further notice.
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