Context :

In the early hours of 7 October, Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups launched a massive assault on Israel by firing a barrage of rockets from Gaza. Hamas cited tensions regarding the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the expansion of Jewish settlements as the reasons for the attack. They have named this attack as “Operation al-Aqsa Flood”. Militants infiltrated Israeli territory, attacking military installations and civilians, and taking many as hostages.The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes in Gaza in response and dubbed their counteroffensive as “Operation Iron Swords”. This attack occurred during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah on Shabbat, one day after the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Yom Kippur War, which also started with a surprise attack. The armed conflicts are still ongoing, affecting not only the immediate conflict zones but also the wider hinterland.

Violence At Borders and Beyond:

• Frequent cross-border fire exchanges have occurred between the IDF and militant groups based in Lebanon, including Hezbollah and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, since Hamas launched attacks in southern Israel.  On 16 October, the IDF began evacuating residents located within a 2-kilometer radius of the Lebanon border. Areas affected include Reger, Dishon, Kfar Yuval, Margaliot, Metula, Avivim, Dobb, Ma’ayan Baruch, Baram, Manara, Yiftah, Malkiah, Meshgav Am, Yaraon, Dafna, Arab al Aramsha, Shlomi, Natua, Ya’ara, Shtula, Matat, Zerait, Shumera, Batzat, Adamit, Rosh Hankara, Kfar Giladi, and Hanita. A day earlier, civilians were banned from entering the area within a 4-kilometer radius of the shared border with Lebanon. This region has been designated as a “Closed Military Zone.”
  
• Skirmishes between Israeli and Syrian military forces were also reported in the Golan Heights region. On 12 October, Israel launched airstrikes on Damascus International Airport (DAM) and Aleppo International Airport (ALP), causing significant damage to both airports and rendering them inoperative. Subsequent to this, on 14 October, the IDF once again targeted ALP, resulting in injuries to at least five people. As of 16 October, the Syrian government reported that ALP services have resumed, but DAM remains non-operational.

• West Bank: Tensions have escalated in the West Bank, with 52 Palestinians killed in clashes with the IDF, arrest raids and attacks by Jewish settlers in the past week, according to the Palestinian Authority Health Ministry. More than 200 people have been arrested in the region. 

Foreign Nationals Evacuated :

Many countries around the world have been scrambling to ensure the safe return of their citizens to their home countries.

India: The Indian government initiated ‘Operation Ajay‘ to repatriate its citizens stranded in conflict-ridden Israel.

Canada: Air Canada operated two special flights on 13 and 14 October from Athens to repatriate Canadians and permanent residents from Israel.

The United States: The US State Department began providing charter flights to assist Americans in departing Israel starting on 13 October. 

The United Kingdom: On 12 October, the UK government initiated its first flight to Tel Aviv to facilitate the evacuation of its citizens from Israel.

Poland: On 8 October, the Polish government announced that it would evacuate its citizens from Israel due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants.

Thailand: On 9 October, the Thai government announced its evacuation plan. At least 24 Thai nationals had lost their lives in the conflict.

The following countries also conducted evacuations of their citizens from the war-torn region: France, Germany, Brazil, Armenia, Australia, Argentina, South Korea, Thailand, Ukraine, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Mexico, Poland, and Spain. Foreign nationals currently in Israel or the Palestinian Territories should immediately contact their country’s diplomatic mission for emergency assistance.

Latest Political Developments

• United States: U.S. President Joe Biden plans to visit Israel on 18 October before traveling to Jordan for meetings with King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Biden has previously warned Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah against escalating the conflict.
  
• Iran: Over the past four decades, the Iranian leadership has consistently maintained an adversarial stance against Israel. On 16 October, Iran’s Foreign Minister issued a warning to Israel, stating that it may take action in the near future as Israel prepares for a ground invasion in the Gaza Strip. The Minister emphasized that Hezbollah would not tolerate any Israeli action in Gaza without retaliating and mentioned the possibility of “preemptive measures.“
  
• European Commision: The European Commission announced on 16 October that it will establish a humanitarian air bridge over Egypt to provide shelter, medicine and hygiene kits. Relief convoys are currently waiting near El Arish, Egypt. France and the United Kingdom announced an additional $10 million and $12.2 million, respectively, in aid for Palestinian civilians.

Flights Impacted:

The situation regarding flights to Tel Aviv may change, so passengers are advised to stay informed with their respective airlines and check for updates regarding flight operations.

Flights Suspended or Diverted:

• US carriers United Airlines, Delta Airlines, and American Airlines have suspended flights to Tel Aviv.
• European operators, including Lufthansa, Air France, Finnair, and Wizz Air, have also suspended their services.
• British Airways initially canceled all scheduled flights to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.
• EasyJet canceled flights to Tel Aviv early last week, and they remain suspended until further notice.
• Portugal’s TAP suspended flights last week and is offering refunds or rescheduling at no additional cost.
• Dubai’s Emirates airline has canceled all services to Ben Gurion Airport until October 20.
• Hainan Airlines, a Chinese carrier, cancelled flights connecting Beijing and Shanghai to Tel Aviv through 31 October. 

Flights Operating:

• Virgin Atlantic has announced the restart of one of its two daily flights from Heathrow to Tel Aviv on 20 October.
• Israel’s El Al airline is operating its flights as scheduled.
• Air Serbia and Ethiopian Airlines are offering limited services.
• Etihad Airways is operating a daily flight between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi.
• Bluebird Airways is continuing its scheduled flights between Tel Aviv and Greek cities Heraklion and Athens, as well as Larnaca in Cyprus.
• Georgian Airlines is continuing services between Israel and Georgia.

Global Ramifications:

• The ongoing regional conflict is causing apprehensions regarding its global impact. A major consequence is increased risk of hate crimes, lone-wolf attacks, harassment, and protests due to heightened emotions on both sides. To address these security concerns, nations may implement enhanced security measures to protect their populations and preserve public order.
  
• The Israel-Palestine conflict’s sensitive nature suggests that pro-Palestine and pro-Israel rallies will persist worldwide. These events offer individuals and groups platforms to express their solidarity with either side of the conflict. Rallies can vary in size and intensity, ranging from peaceful demonstrations to more confrontational events. 

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