Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday that the international community must achieve a two-state solution to prevent the conflict between Israel and Hamas from worsening.
“Although our starting points are far apart, our interests overlap perfectly: that what is happening in Gaza does not become a much broader conflict, a religious war, a clash of civilizations,” Meloni said.
“I have the impression that this was the real purpose of the Hamas attack, not to defend the rights of the Palestinian people, but an attack that would create an unbridgeable gap between the Palestinians and the Israelis, which means that we all be a target. , and we should not fall into this trap, which would be very stupid.”
It is important to keep in mind that Italy is over 4,166 kilometers (2,588,632 miles) away from Israel. This enormous distance insulates Italy from the direct consequences of the conflict.
According to the US Department of State, citizens are prohibited from traveling to:
- Gaza because of terrorism, civil unrestAnd armed conflict
The United States government is unable to provide ongoing or urgent assistance to American citizens in Gaza. Rocket or mortar attacks and corresponding counter-attacks by the Israeli army may occur regularly. During periods of instability or armed conflict, the border crossings between Gaza, Egypt and Israel may be closed.
Reconsider traveling to:
- Israel because of terrorism And social unrest
- West Bank because of terrorism And social unrest
In case you choose to visit Gaza, the West Bank and Israel, you must:
- Check the Embassy‘s website for the most current travel advice in these areas.
- Avoid participating in protests and crowded events.
- Monitor your surroundings and immediately inform local authorities of any suspicious events or unattended items.
- Get to know the nearest fallout shelter or safe haven.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and improve your ability to receive emergency assistance.
The Government of Canada recommends its citizens AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip due to the ongoing armed conflict in the region and the dangerous security situation.
West Bank – Avoid all travel
The following places are not covered by this advice. So you shouldn’t go there, even for essential purposes.
- Ramallah
- Jericho
- Bethlehem
- Highway 1
- Route 90
- Route 443 between Jerusalem and Modi’in
Furthermore, the Canadian government discourages its nationals from visiting
- Border with Syria
- Border with Egypt
- Border with Lebanon
Unless absolutely necessary, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) strongly advises against travel to Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In addition, it is not recommended to visit the following places:
- Gaza
- Regions within a 5 kilometer radius of the border with Lebanon, officially designated as a closed military zone by the Israeli army, where entry is not permitted.
- The Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar
- Zones within 500 meters of the border with Syria, often called the ‘Alpha Line’.
Essential travel tips for visitors to Italy
Italy is at level 2: “Be extra careful”
- Petty crime is common. Be careful of pickpocketing and bag snatching in tourist areas and on public transport, especially at major train stations. Thieves often operate in groups on the train. Be diligent in protecting your assets.
- There are incidents of bombings at political locations. Stay away from protests and crowded gatherings. Stay informed through local news sources.
- Stay alert to the threat of terrorism. European cities, including transport hubs and popular tourist destinations, are being targeted by terrorists. Take official warnings seriously.
- Italy is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity. Significant earthquakes can cause landslides and avalanches. Forest fires are common from June to September. Monitor the media and follow the guidelines of local authorities.
