Warden Message

June 27, 2007

The Department of State continues to urge U.S. citizens to carefully consider the risks of travel to Israel, to defer unnecessary travel to the West Bank and to avoid all travel to Gaza. American citizens in the Gaza Strip should depart as soon as possible but exercise caution in movement. The kidnapping threat for foreign nationals in Gaza remains high, with reports that retaliatory kidnappings by armed factions may target internationals. Americans choosing to remain in Gaza despite this warning should remain on high alert and take precautions due to this increased threat.

Americans in Jerusalem, Gaza or the West Bank are strongly encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov or to contact us by phone at (972) (2) 622-7207 during business hours. U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Consulate General in Jerusalem at (972) (2) 622-7250.

For the latest security information, Americans should regularly monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, and other Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays.)