US warns citizens against participating in Gaza flotillas
State Department updates travel advisory to Israel emphasizing travel via the sea. 'Attempts to enter Gaza by sea have been stopped by Israeli naval vessels and resulted in injury, death, arrest, and deportation,' warning notes
WASHINGTON – The US State Department has issued a new travel advisory to Israel, with emphasis on the Gaza Strip on Monday. "Previous attempts to enter Gaza by sea have been stopped by Israeli naval vessels and resulted in the injury, death, arrest, and deportation of US citizens," the warning noted.
The State Department advised US citizens against traveling to the Gaza Strip, including as part of flotillas. The new advisory replaces a travel warning issued in August 2009 and applies to all US citizens, including journalists and aid workers.
"US citizens are advised against traveling to Gaza by any means, including via sea," the warning noted. The State Department explained that the ability of consular staff to offer timely assistance to US citizens in the Strip is extremely limited.
The warning noted that in the past rockets have travelled more than 40 km (24 miles) from Gaza and landed as far north as Yavne and Gadera and as far east as Beersheba. "US government personnel travelling in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip border, to include the city of Sderot, require approval from the Embassy's Regional Security Office."
The warning cautioned American citizens that "a greater danger may exist around restaurants, businesses, and other places associated with US interests and/or located near US official buildings."
West Bank, Jerusalem
In its reference to the West Bank, the State Department stated that as a result of the presence of the Palestinian Authority's security forces in the area, violence in recent years has decreased markedly.
Nevertheless, it was stated that demonstrations and violent incidents can occur without warning. "Vehicles have also been the target of rocks, Molotov cocktails and gunfire on West Bank roads."
A special section in the warning is devoted to Jerusalem. US citizens were asked to remain particularly vigilant when visiting west Jerusalem's commercial and downtown areas and the city center. In respect to east Jerusalem, Salah Ed-Din Street, the Damascus Gate, and the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood were noted.
According to the warning, US government employees are authorized to visit the Old City and the Armon Hanatziv area during daylight hours only and prohibited from visiting the area on the city wall between Herod’s Gate and Lion’s Gate at all times.
The warning further stated that US government officials are permitted to travel on Route 443, however during daylight hours only.
