Israel’s Ministry of Tourism is offering support to visitors after Hamas carried out attacks that have killed more than 900 people.
A WhatsApp number and email address have been made available for anyone needing information and guidance, with UK visitors also encouraged to contact their travel agent, airline or the UK embassy in Israel.
A spokesperson for Israel’s Ministry of Tourism said: “We are monitoring the situation and are committed to ensuring that all tourists visiting Israel are safe and informed.”
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About 900 people have been killed in Israel since Saturday, October 7, including 260 people massacred by Hamas gunmen at a music festival. Since Israel launched strikes in response, almost 700 people have been killed in Gaza.
The spokesperson for Israel’s Ministry of Tourism said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the events that have taken place in Israel over the weekend. We offer our condolences to those who have been affected by the current situation.”
The spokesperson said the ministry appreciated the UK’s support, adding: “Israel’s Ministry of Tourism will provide all necessary assistance to those who need it and is operating a tourist hotline via WhatsApp for tourists to stay informed on the situation as it evolves.”
The phone number for WhatsApp inquiries is +972-55-972-6931, while the email address is: virtual@goisrael.gov.il
Visitors can also dial 104 for information and advice in several languages or contact Home Front Command on WhatsApp and SMS on +972 (0) 52-9104104.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office continues to advise against travel to parts of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories involved in the conflict, and against all but essential travel to all other parts of the country.
British travellers are also being “strongly encouraged” to register their presence with the FCDO.
“We can then share important updates, including information to support you to leave the country. Fill in the form for every member of your family or group who is a British national,” the FCDO added.
Flight cancellations
El Al is continuing to run flights, including five today (Tuesday) between London and Tel Aviv, despite many other carriers suspending services to Israel including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic morning departures to Heathrow.
Flights by BA and Virgin Atlantic from Tel Aviv on Monday afternoon were still scheduled to operate but easyJet and Wizz Air services to Luton continue to be cancelled.
Virgin Atlantic has made eight cancellations between Tel Aviv and Heathrow, from Saturday until tomorrow (Wednesday).
“The safety and security of our customers and our people always comes first and our flying programme to Israel remains under constant review,” a spokesperson said.
Check FCDO advice
Chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said said: “Our thoughts are of course with all those who have been affected by the recent outbreak of violence, and during what will be a turbulent time for the region.
“The Foreign Office is currently advising that travellers from Britain avoid all but essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. However, as this is an incredibly volatile and unpredictable situation, we would recommend that anyone who is considering travel to the region to closely follow the latest Foreign Office advice.
“For the time being we know that several airlines have cancelled flights to Israel or are warning of travel disruption, as they continue to review the safety and security of their customers and staff. Anyone who has booked upcoming travel to the region should contact their travel agent who can offer the most up to date information.”
Royal Caribbean has announced it is making changes to itineraries for safety reasons.
“Impacted guests are being notified directly,” said a spokesperson for the cruise line.
Meanwhile, Sharon Thompson, director of Thompson Travel in Portadown, Northern Ireland, said she had a group who were due to travel to Israel next week with a church, but they have pushed back their trip to next year. Future groups are not travelling until March 2024, Thompson said.
“I have spoken to our ground handler in Israel and they and their families are safe and working in the office today [Monday, October 9],” said Thompson, who has visited Israel a total of 22 times.
She added: “We trust that the situation resolves soon, peace and reconciliation will be achieved and that no more innocent lives are lost.”
Photo: Cole Keister/Unsplash
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