Skift Take
Israel had high hopes for tourism this year, not only as an economic driver, but as peacemaker with the rest of the world. Those hopes have come crashing down with last weekend's Hamas attack.
Just a few weeks ago, tourism was said to be the olive branch that was going to improve relations between Israel and the rest of the Middle East. Saturday's surprise Hamas attack on the country has a confirmed death toll of more than 1,000 so far, completely halting its tourism sector, and further delaying any hopes of stability in the area.
“Citizens of Israel, we are at war — not in an operation, not in rounds — at war,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu broadcasted following the Hamas group's attack on parts of Israel, including the capital and tourist hot spot Tel Aviv. In the south of the country, Hamas stormed and opened fire on a festival where there were more than 3,000 people.
More than 260 bodies have reportedly been recovered from the festival site, according to rescue agency Zaka, reported the BBC. Others have been taken hostage.
International tourism has responded by freezing travel to Israel and advising all its citizens to steer clear of the country.
Airlines' Reaction to Hamas AttackAcross the world, the industry's largest carriers have stopped routes to Israel, while governments, such as the US, have issued a "Do Not Travel" to Gaza and "Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To" Israel or the West Bank, due to terrorism and civil unrest.
Canada and the UK have similar travel advisories, updated for citizens over the weekend. Australia's foreign minister gave similar warnings at a press conference held at Melbourne Airport over the weekend.
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