Tensions have escalated not only in the Middle East but also around the world, especially in Europe, where fighting between Israel and Hamas has sparked protests and attacks.
“Travelers should remain vigilant and anticipate heightened security in urban areas, tourist attractions, key government areas, and public transport locations in the coming weeks,” notes International SOS.
Security experts warn Jewish and Muslim travelers to be cautious in light of potential future terrorist attacks in Europe and other parts of the world. They also fear retaliation against American tourists in connection with anti-Western sentiment.
France
Following a terrorist attack in the northern French city of Arras that killed a French teacher, the French government raised the alert level of its security system to the highest level, “Emergency Attack ” (Urgence Attentat), on October 13.
“As a result, residents and visitors throughout France may see heightened security in public areas, including airports, public transport, places of worship, tourist sites, schools, major sports venues, and large commercial centers,” stated the U.S. Embassy in France
The U.S. Embassy in France advises its nationals to stay away from rallies and regions with high police presence, to be cautious around large crowds or demonstrations, to keep an eye on local media for updates, to keep a low profile, and to let friends and family know where you are.
Belgium
The authorities in Belgium have “increased the threat level to four [which is the highest on a four-tier scale, indicating a ‘very serious’ threat] following an attack in Brussels. The general country’s threat level increased to three, indicating a ‘serious’ threat,” notes International SOS.
A large-scale demonstration that took place in Brussels over the weekend prompted the U.S. Embassy in Belgium to issue a warning, which also noted that smaller demonstrations “are being reported with significant frequency”
Greece
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, internal and external. The Greek authorities are always on alert. The policy of guarding the land and sea borders continues unabated,” said a government statement.
During the conference, the discussion also included the repatriation of Greek citizens, a process overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Notably, Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos Airport remains among the four designated European destinations for evacuation flights originating from Israel.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that Greece and Israel are more than 2,809.0 kilometers apart. This enormous distance shields Greece from the direct consequences of the conflict.
Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Saturday that the international community must work toward a two-state solution to prevent the situation 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 wider conflict, a religious war, a clash of civilizations,” said Meloni. “I have the impression that this was the real aim 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, meaning that the target is all of us, and we cannot fall into this trap, which would be very stupid.”
Remember that Italy is more than 4,166 kilometers (or 25,88.632 miles) away from Israel. This great distance protects Italy from the immediate effects of the fighting.
Turkey
Turkey shows no signs of being affected by the crisis. The attacks have shown why Hamas has no business in Turkey or anywhere else, according to Irit Lillian, the Israeli ambassador to Turkey.
Tayyip Erdogan, the president of the country, said during an AK Party gathering that “all parties must refrain from aggressive actions” and that “we call on all parties to exercise restraint.”
He added that Turkey will employ all its resources to stop hostilities and eliminate violence.