Thousands of tourists in Israel find themselves stranded as the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has forced flight cancellations and city lockdowns, turning short vacations into uncertain, prolonged stays.
Since Israel’s strike on Iranian nuclear facilities on Friday, life in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv has come to a halt, leaving approximately 40,000 tourists stranded due to closed airspace and cancelled flights.
What began as brief visits has extended into indefinite stays, with many travelers seeking alternative exit routes through neighboring countries like Jordan. The once-bustling streets of Jerusalem are now deserted, and key sites like the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Western Wall are under strict restrictions.
Justin Joyner is a tourist from the U.S. and he said that it's a worrying time.
"A very new experience for me personally, being American, and it is scary to hear, you know, missiles being intercepted, to feel the concussive blast, even though it's up in the sky," Joyner said.
"And to have to take your son and your father and go down to a bomb shelter which is just something you don't even have to consider in America, at least not since the 60s, so it makes me feel uneasy and very anxious to get back home," he added.
Meanwhile his relative, John Joyner said that they're looking for alternative places to stay. "We are looking for (something with) kitchenettes, some place to kind of reduce some of our expenses."
He added that they're also looking at a different place to fly from.
"Flight schedules, perhaps out of Jordan, if possible, and because it may be a while before Israeli airports open up."
Israel’s Tourism Ministry has set up a 24/7 virtual help desk to assist stranded foreigners, but uncertainty remains for those far from home.
Residents report worsening conditions since the Gaza conflict, with new missile attacks raising fears that the violence may escalate further.
China has introduced its first renewable energy consumption targets for key industrial sectors and data centres....
Cameroon prepares for presidential elections on October 12 amid rising political tensions and declared candidates challenging long-time leader Paul Bi...
A preliminary report on the Air India crash reveals the plane’s fuel cutoff switches were activated seconds after takeoff, cutting fuel to the engin...
The Pentagon confirmed that one Iranian ballistic missile struck the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar last month, causing minimal damage. Most missiles...
President Zelenskyy announced that the U.S. has resumed military aid shipments to Ukraine. Ukrainian officials are set to meet with U.S. special envoy...
Cameroon prepares for presidential elections on October 12 amid rising political tensions and declared candidates challenging long-time leader Paul Biya’s rule.
China has introduced its first renewable energy consumption targets for key industrial sectors and data centres.
A preliminary report on the Air India crash reveals the plane’s fuel cutoff switches were activated seconds after takeoff, cutting fuel to the engines. No aircraft or engine faults were identified.
The Pentagon confirmed that one Iranian ballistic missile struck the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar last month, causing minimal damage. Most missiles were intercepted by U.S. and Qatari air defenses during the largest Patriot missile engagement in U.S. history.
A series of earthquakes have struck Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon, leading authorities to advise residents to evacuate from buildings as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
A deadly mass shooting early on Monday (7 July) in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighbourhood left three men dead and nine others wounded, including teenagers, as more than 100 shots were fired.
Dozens of international and domestic flights were cancelled or delayed after Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted on Monday, but Bali’s main airport remains operational.
The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was successfully held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, highlighting the region’s revival and the deepening economic cooperation among member states.
French member of parliament Olivier Marleix was found dead at his home on Monday, with suicide being considered a possible cause.
Norway could soon receive a major boost to its airborne defence, as Washington signals readiness to expand military cooperation through a new high-value arms deal.
A British man accused of running a $100 million fake wine loan scam pleaded not guilty in New York, denying claims that he sold investors a vintage collection that didn’t exist. The high-stakes fraud allegedly duped victims with promises of rare bottles and big returns.
The U.S. is set to support Lebanon’s military readiness with a $100 million deal to sustain A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, enhancing the Lebanese Armed Forces’ ability to uphold the recent ceasefire in southern Lebanon.
The U.S. unexpectedly recorded a $27 billion budget surplus in June, reversing last year’s deficit. This improvement reflects stronger customs collections and significant cuts in education spending amid ongoing fiscal challenges.
China has introduced its first renewable energy consumption targets for key industrial sectors and data centres.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment