Tensions have escalated not only in the Middle East, but also around the world, especially in Europe. where fighting between Israel and Hamas has led to protests and attacks.
“Travelers should remain vigilant in the coming weeks and anticipate increased security in urban areas, tourist attractions, key government areas and public transport locations,” notes International SOS.
Security experts are warning Jewish and Muslim travelers to exercise caution in light of possible future terrorist attacks in Europe and other parts of the world. They also fear reprisals against American tourists due to anti-Western sentiments.
France
After a terrorist attack in the northern French city of Arras in which a French teacher was killed, the French government has decided increased the alert level of its security system to the highest level, “Emergency Attack” (Urgency Attentat), on October 13.
“As a result, residents and visitors across France can experience increased security in public spaces, including airports, public transport, places of worship, tourist sites, schools, major sporting venues and major commercial centres,” the statement said. US Embassy in France
The U.S. Embassy in France advises its nationals to stay away from gatherings and regions with heavy police presence, to exercise caution around large crowds or demonstrations, to monitor local media for updates, to maintain a low profile, and to keep friends and family knows where you are.
Belgium
Authorities in Belgium have “raised the threat level to four [which is the highest on a four-tier scale, indicating a ‘very serious’ threat] after an attack in Brussels. The country’s overall threat level has risen to three, indicating a ‘severe’ threat,” notes International SOS.
A large-scale demonstration that took place in Brussels this weekend prompted the US Embassy in Belgium to issue a warning, which also noted that smaller demonstrations are “reported with significant frequency”
The Greek government’s National Security Council (KYSEA) discussed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict last week.
“All aspects of the crisis in the region were discussed, with an emphasis on security, both internal and external. The Greek authorities are always alert. The policy of guarding the land and sea borders continues unabated.” said a government statement.
The conference also discussed the repatriation of Greek citizens, a process supervised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Notably, Eleftherios Venizelos Airport in Athens remains one of four designated European destinations for evacuation flights from Israel.
It is crucial to keep in mind that Greece and Israel are more than 2,809.0 kilometers apart. This enormous distance protects Greece from the direct consequences of the conflict.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said this on Saturday the international community must work towards a two-state solution to prevent the situation between Israel and Hamas from deteriorating.
“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.”
Consider that Italy is more than 4,166 kilometers (or 25,88,632 miles) away from Israel. This great distance protects Italy from the immediate consequences of the fighting.
Turkey shows no signs of being affected by the crisis. The attacks have shown why Hamas has nothing to do with Turkey or anywhere else, said Irit Lillian, Israel’s ambassador to Turkey.
Tayyip Erdogan, the country’s president, said at an AK Party meeting that “all parties should refrain from aggressive actions” and that “we call on all parties to exercise restraint.”
He added that Turkey will use all its resources to stop hostilities and eliminate violence.
