Danger Levels and Areas
Gaza Strip and Surrounding Areas:
Level 4: Evacuate immediately. Travel is prohibited. (Evacuation Advisory) (Ongoing)
Lebanon Border Areas:
Level 4: Evacuate immediately. Travel is prohibited. (Evacuation Advisory) (Ongoing)
West Bank (excluding Jericho, Bethlehem, Ramallah, main roads connecting these three cities with Jerusalem, National Route 1, and National Route 90 within the West Bank):
Level 3: Do not travel. (Travel Warning) (Ongoing)
Other Areas:
Level 3: Do not travel. (Travel Warning) (Downgrade)
Points of Concern:
On July 27, an attack on the Golan Heights controlled by Israel resulted in numerous casualties. On July 30, there was an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) attack on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon, resulting in the death of a Hezbollah commander. Following the assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Khaled Mashal in Tehran on July 31, Iran has announced plans for retaliation against Israel. Tensions in the Middle East, including Israel, are rising. As a result, the danger level for Gaza Strip, its surrounding areas, Lebanon border areas, and parts of the West Bank (excluding specific cities and roads) will be upgraded to Level 3, and travel to these areas should be avoided for any reason. Those already in these areas should evacuate immediately.
The Gaza Strip is experiencing military actions by the Israeli military. Travel to the Gaza Strip and its surrounding areas is strongly advised against. Those already there should ensure their safety and evacuate immediately.
There is ongoing conflict between the IDF and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Travel to the Lebanon border area should be avoided. Those already in the area should evacuate immediately.
Details:
Overview:
On July 27, attacks on the Golan Heights resulted in many casualties. On July 30, an IDF attack in Beirut, Lebanon resulted in the death of a Hezbollah commander. On July 31, following the assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Khaled Mashal in Tehran, Iran has announced plans for retaliation against Israel, increasing tensions in the region.
On October 7, 2023, Palestinian armed groups (Hamas and Islamic Jihad) fired numerous rockets into southern and central Israel from the Gaza Strip, and armed groups infiltrated Israel, causing many casualties and over 200 kidnappings of Israelis and foreigners. The IDF has since launched military actions in Gaza, which are ongoing.
Since October 8, 2023, armed groups from Hezbollah in Lebanon have been continuously launching rockets into northern Israel and have breached the border fence, prompting the IDF to respond with attacks on their bases. On October 15, 2023, the IDF established a military exclusion zone within 4 kilometers of the Lebanese border, prohibiting civilian access.
In addition, terrorist incidents involving firearms, knives, vehicles, or explosives by Palestinians and Arab-Israelis have occurred. For details on terrorism, refer to the “Terrorism and Kidnapping Situation” section.
No direct terrorism targeting Japanese citizens or interests has occurred in Israel or the Palestinian territories so far. However, terrorism affecting Japanese citizens is not limited to countries with travel warnings or evacuation advisories. Terrorism occurs globally, including in Western countries and Asia. Recent trends show an increase in lone wolf attacks and terrorism targeting soft targets like restaurants, shopping malls, and public transportation.
Regional Situation:
Gaza Strip and Surrounding Areas:
Level 4: Evacuate immediately. Travel is prohibited. (Evacuation Advisory) (Ongoing)
The Gaza Strip has faced movement restrictions due to Israeli checkpoints, making it extremely difficult for the Japanese Embassy in Israel to respond quickly. A military exclusion zone has been established by the IDF, further restricting civilian access. Travel to these areas is prohibited, and those already there should evacuate immediately.
Lebanon Border Areas:
Level 4: Evacuate immediately. Travel is prohibited. (Evacuation Advisory) (Ongoing)
Since October 8, 2023, Hezbollah and other armed groups from Lebanon have been launching rockets into northern Israel and breaching the border fence. The IDF has established a military exclusion zone within 4 kilometers of the Lebanese border. Travel to these areas is prohibited, and those already there should evacuate immediately.
West Bank (excluding specific cities and roads):
Level 3: Do not travel. (Travel Warning) (Ongoing)
Since the conflict with Gaza began, checkpoint access between Israel and the West Bank has been severely restricted. There are increasing clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians, with the potential for heightened conflict. Travel to these areas should be avoided, and those already there should be cautious.
Other Areas:
Level 3: Do not travel. (Travel Warning) (Downgrade)
Following recent attacks and increasing tensions, travel to other areas of Israel should be avoided.
Precautions:
If you must stay in the area, obtain the latest security information from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japanese Embassy in Israel, local authorities, and media. Take necessary safety measures and avoid being caught in unforeseen circumstances. Given that some commercial flights have been suspended, consider leaving while flights are still available.
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