Saturday, June 14, 2025
As of June 2025, Canada has issued a critical travel advisory advising all citizens to avoid travel to Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. The advisory comes amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, leading to significant security risks and uncertainties across these regions. Ongoing military operations and violence between Israeli forces and armed groups have severely affected the safety of travelers, particularly in high-risk areas such as Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.
The Government of Canada has warned of rapidly deteriorating security situations that could affect civilians, including tourists and foreign nationals. The Canadian government’s primary concern is the unpredictable nature of the conflict, the ongoing military operations, and the hostile environment in the region. As tensions rise, travelers are urged to stay informed and make travel decisions based on the most current safety information. This article outlines the details of the travel advisory and the critical safety considerations for anyone planning to visit Israel, Palestinian Territories, or the Gaza Strip in the near future.

Israel and Gaza: Safety Concerns Amid Military Operations

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The situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip is increasingly volatile, with military operations escalating since June 2025. The Canadian government has issued a warning for all travelers to avoid all travel to these areas due to the ongoing hostilities. The security environment has been highly unpredictable, with frequent airstrikes, missile exchanges, and escalating violence between Israeli forces and armed groups in Gaza.
Israel’s primary airport, Ben Gurion International Airport, has been closed indefinitely due to the conflict, which further complicates air travel in and out of the country. For tourists hoping to visit Israel or Palestinian territories, these restrictions are particularly challenging, especially for those with plans to visit the region’s historical and religious sites. With the airport closed, travelers face significant obstacles in both entry and exit from Israel.

If you are in Israel or the Gaza Strip despite the advisory, it is critical to shelter in place and follow local authorities’ instructions to ensure your safety. The Government of Canada has advised all Canadian nationals to stay vigilant, monitor local news, and stay in secure locations. Emergency services in the region are limited, and consular support may not be readily available due to the security situation. International tourists who remain in these regions are urged to register with the Canadian Government‘s emergency services for updated information.

Security Risks in the West Bank and Jerusalem

The West Bank and Jerusalem are experiencing significant tensions and violent incidents that make travel to these regions extremely dangerous. Israeli military operations continue in parts of the West Bank, particularly around major cities such as Hebron, Jenin, and Ramallah. The security situation remains highly unstable, with frequent clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinian civilians. In addition, Israeli settlers have been involved in violent confrontations, targeting both Palestinians and foreign nationals.
Jerusalem has seen its share of political violence, particularly around religious sites like the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount. The risk of terrorist attacks, including stabbings, shootings, and car rammings, has made visiting Jerusalem and its iconic areas, such as the Old City, unsafe for travelers. The violence is often exacerbated during periods of religious tension, including holidays such as Ramadan and Yom Kippur, when tensions between Israeli and Palestinian communities flare.
Canadian travelers in the West Bank are advised to limit their movement and avoid conflict zones, particularly near Israeli military checkpoints. These checkpoints, often manned by Israeli security forces, can be volatile, with frequent detentions and vehicle searches that could delay or disrupt travel plans. Bystanders in the vicinity of military operations may be caught in the crossfire, further emphasizing the need for caution.

Travel to the Gaza Strip: Extreme Danger

The Gaza Strip remains one of the most dangerous areas in the world due to the ongoing military conflict. Canada has explicitly warned against all travel to Gaza, with the Israeli military conducting ongoing operations in the region. Gaza’s borders are heavily guarded, and entry is tightly controlled. Currently, Erez Crossing (controlled by Israel) is closed, leaving Rafah Crossing (controlled by Egypt) as the only exit route for those attempting to leave the Gaza Strip.
Traveling to and from Gaza is fraught with danger. The risk of injury is high, and connectivity issues, such as telecommunications and power outages, make it even more difficult for travelers to stay informed about the evolving situation. Those who are in Gaza are advised to shelter in place and remain in secure locations until it is possible to leave safely. The Canadian government’s ability to provide consular services is severely limited in this region due to the security situation.

Israel and Gaza Conflict: Ongoing Hostilities with Iran

The current crisis is not limited to Israel and Gaza. Hostilities with Iran have escalated in the region, heightening security risks for both travelers and residents. Missile strikes from both sides of the conflict have led to unpredictable military actions, with air defense systems in Israel struggling to intercept some projectiles. This has created widespread concerns about the safety of civilians, especially in highly populated areas such as Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. The Gaza Strip and other border regions are particularly at risk of rocket attacks and retaliatory strikes.
For travelers in Israel or the Gaza Strip, there is an increased threat of unexploded ordnance and military debris, which can pose serious dangers, particularly for those unaware of the evacuation protocols. Tourists are advised to stay inside during periods of air raids and avoid traveling at night when security conditions are most unstable.

Entry and Exit Challenges: Airport Closures and Security Checks

With Ben Gurion International Airport closed indefinitely due to the ongoing conflict, the primary entry point for international tourists has been rendered inaccessible. Travelers should be prepared for major disruptions in air travel, as flights to and from Israel are canceled until further notice. The situation could impact travel plans for both tourists and business travelers who had planned to visit Israel and Palestinian territories.
In addition to flight disruptions, travelers may encounter severe delays and security challenges at Israeli border checkpoints. Security checks in the West Bank and at border crossings are becoming more stringent, and travelers may be denied entry or face long wait times at checkpoints.

Safety Measures for Travelers in the Region by Canada

For those who must travel to Israel, Jerusalem, or the West Bank, it is essential to stay informed and follow safety protocols. Here are a few tips for maintaining safety:

• Monitor local news: Stay updated on the evolving security situation through local and international media sources.
• Follow instructions from local authorities: Always listen to Israeli security forces and local officials when air raid sirens or evacuation orders are issued.
• Seek shelter: When air raids are active, stay in hardened structures or bomb shelters to protect yourself.
• Register with consular services: Ensure that your information is up to date with the Canadian government or other consular services to receive the latest updates.
• Avoid crowded areas: Avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, which can quickly turn violent, especially during heightened political tension.

Conclusion: Navigating Travel Amid Escalating Conflict

As of June 2025, the security situation in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip remains volatile and dangerous for travelers. Canada travel advisory strongly urges all citizens to avoid non-essential travel to these regions, citing the ongoing conflict and heightened risks posed by military operations and regional hostilities.
Travelers planning to visit these areas are strongly encouraged to reconsider their plans and stay informed of the latest developments. The Government of Canada provides essential consular services and emergency assistance, but the ability to offer support is severely restricted due to the security situation. Those already in the region must take necessary precautions, including seeking shelter and maintaining constant communication with local authorities and consular services.
With unpredictable violence, travel restrictions, and airport closures impacting the region, the safety of travelers in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip must remain a top priority as the situation continues to unfold.

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Tags: Canada travel advisory, Gaza conflict 2025, Gaza Strip travel, Israel tourism, Israeli security risks, Israeli travel risks, Jerusalem safety, Middle East travel warnings, Palestinian Territories, West Bank travel warning

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Saturday, June 14, 2025
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Saturday, June 14, 2025

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