The U.S. State Department is warning U.S. citizens around the world to exercise caution as tensions are on the rise in the Middle East, and telling Americans to “stay alert” in areas frequented by tourists.
With the Israel-Hamas war intensifying, the U.S. government issued a “Worldwide Caution” alert on Thursday.
“Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” the notice reads.
The State Department advises Americans to:
- Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
- Enroll in what’s known as the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, to receive alerts and information. This will make it easier to be located in the event of an emergency overseas.
- Check the State Department’s social-media accounts, like Facebook or X.
The Israel-Hamas war was touched off by an attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.
More than 1,400 Israelis have died since the Hamas assault began, according to Wall Street Journal reporting. In Gaza, officials said the Palestinian death toll was more than 3,785, including the 471 people they said were killed in a hospital blast on Tuesday.
Oil prices
CL.1,
on Thursday settled higher amid fear about an expansion of the Israel-Hamas war, as MarketWatch reported.
The Israeli shekel
USDILS,
fell for an eighth straight session on Thursday, hitting its weakest level against the dollar since 2015.
President Joe Biden is scheduled to give an Oval Office address Thursday night about U.S. support for Israel and Ukraine. The president is expected to ask Congress to approve about $10 billion in military aid to Israel and some $60 billion for Ukraine.
