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Tag: ABC News

  • State Department Issues Level 3 Alert After Hamas Attack

    blue and white flag on pole

    ABC News recently reported on the escalating conflict between Hamas and Israel, which has resulted in significant casualties and prompted a series of advisories and flight cancellations. Here are the key points from the report:

    Escalation and Casualties:

    • Attack by Hamas: Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack from Gaza into Israel, causing substantial loss of life and injuries.
    • Casualty Figures: As of Thursday, the Israeli Health Ministry reported at least 1,200 deaths and 2,900 injuries in Israel. In Gaza, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported 1,417 deaths (including 447 children and 248 women) and about 6,268 injuries due to Israeli retaliatory airstrikes.

    Travel Advisories:

    • State Department Advisory: The U.S. State Department elevated its travel advisory for Israel and the West Bank to Level 3 (“reconsider travel”) and issued a “do not travel” advisory for Gaza due to terrorism and civil unrest.
    • FAA Advisory: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urged U.S. airlines and pilots to use caution when flying in Israeli airspace, highlighting the potentially hazardous situation.

    Airline Responses:

    • Suspended Flights: Major U.S. airlines (American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines) and several foreign carriers (Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, KLM, Wizz Air, EasyJet, Lufthansa, ITA, Ryanair, Norwegian Air, Finnair, TAP, Gulf Air, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Turkish Airlines) have suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv.
    • Ongoing Flights: Some airlines, including El Al and flydubai, continue to operate flights with caution.

    U.S. Government Actions:

    • Charter Flights: The U.S. State Department is arranging charter flights for American citizens currently in Israel, with plans to fly them to sites in Europe starting Friday.
    • Safety Recommendations: U.S. citizens in Israel are advised to increase their security awareness, follow local government advice, and verify flight statuses before heading to Ben Gurion Airport.

    This comprehensive coverage emphasizes the severe impact of the conflict on travel and the heightened security measures being implemented. For those considering travel to the region, it is crucial to stay informed through reliable sources and adhere to official advisories to ensure safety.

    Source: ABC News

  • Hamas Attack in Israel – State Department Issues Level 3 Travel Advisory

    FAA Urges Caution for Flights Amid Escalating Conflict in Israel

    The FAA has urged U.S. airlines and pilots to “use caution” when flying in Israeli airspace following an unprecedented attack by Hamas militants from Gaza into Israel. This conflict has resulted in over a thousand fatalities and thousands more injured.

    Current Situation:

    • Casualties: At least 1,200 people have died, and 2,900 are injured in Israel. In Gaza, 1,417 people, including 447 children and 248 women, have been killed, with about 6,268 others injured due to Israeli retaliatory airstrikes.
    • Travel Advisory: The U.S. State Department elevated its advisory for Israel and the West Bank to Level 3 (“reconsider travel”) due to “terrorism and civil unrest” and maintains a “do not travel” advisory for Gaza.
    • FAA Notices: The FAA issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) urging caution and describing the situation as “potentially hazardous.” The updated NOTAM on Tuesday clarified that there are currently no restrictions on U.S. certificated airmen or operators flying into or out of Israel.
    • European Response: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) recommending air operators ensure robust risk assessments and contingency planning for operations in Israeli airspace.

    Airline Operations:

    • Suspended Flights: All major U.S. airlines and several foreign carriers have suspended services to and from Israel. Specific suspensions include:
      • American Airlines: Flights canceled through Dec. 4.
      • Delta Air Lines: Flights suspended until the end of October.
      • United Airlines: Flights suspended until conditions improve.
      • Air Canada: Flights canceled through Friday.
      • Air France, British Airways, KLM: Flights suspended until further notice.
      • Wizz Air, EasyJet, ITA, Ryanair, Norwegian Air, Finnair: Canceled flights through various dates.
      • Gulf Air, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Turkish Airlines: Suspended flights for specified periods.
    • Continuing Operations: El Al continues flights, operating per Israeli security forces’ instructions. flydubai’s flights are on schedule, and Hainan Airlines plans limited round-trip flights.

    Assistance for U.S. Citizens:

    • The U.S. State Department will arrange chartered flights for American citizens in Israel, starting Friday, to transport them to European sites.
    • U.S. citizens in Israel are advised to follow local government advice and check the status of border crossings or flights before heading to Ben Gurion Airport. Assistance can be requested via the crisis intake form to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

    Source: ABC News