2006 Warden Messages

Warden Message  

May 25, 2006 

Due to rising tensions in the Gaza Strip, the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem reiterates its warning that American citizens should avoid all travel to Gaza. Any American citizens still in Gaza despite the U.S. State Department's February 27, 2006, Travel Warning should depart immediately. The deteriorating security situation in Gaza is tense and unpredictable, with the possibility of violent protests directed against American citizens and interests, and fighting between various armed factions. Any foreigner in Gaza is at risk of kidnapping.

The Consulate General asks all U.S. citizens to read the State Department Travel Warning for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza dated February 27, 2006, which can be found at http://travel.state.gov/.

Americans in Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are strongly encouraged to register with the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/. U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Consulate General in Jerusalem at (972)(2) 622-7250. Current information on travel and security in Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank may be obtained from the Department of State by calling toll-free 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada or, from overseas, a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8 am to 8 pm Eastern Time Monday through Friday, except U.S. federal holidays. U.S. citizens should consult the Consular Information Sheet for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza; the Travel Warning for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, the Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement; and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement on the Department's Internet website at http://travel.state.gov/. Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be accessed at http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/.