Israel, West Bank & Gaza

The US Department of State continues to warn travelers to be aware of security factors when planning travel to Israel and the West Bank and to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip.

The Gaza Strip is under the control of Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization. The security environment within Gaza, including its border with Egypt and its seacoast, is dangerous and volatile. US citizens participating in any effort to reach Gaza by sea may face arrest, prosecution and deportation. Rockets and mortars are still fired into Israel from Gaza, and Israel continues to conduct military operations inside Gaza, including air strikes.

Throughout the West Bank, violence has decreased markedly in recent years. Still, demonstrations and violent incidents can occur without warning. Also, vehicles on West Bank roads have been the target of rocks, Molotov cocktails and gunfire. Avoid demonstrations.