As of June 2025, a critical and widespread series of travel advisories have been issued by multiple nations, including Canada, New Zealand, the United States, Australia, India, the United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland, and Russia, urging their citizens to avoid travel to Israel, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Iran. These warnings come in response to escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, leading to a highly volatile security situation across the region with significant and unpredictable risks for travelers.

Canada's advisory, mirroring concerns from other nations, specifically cautions against all travel to Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip due to ongoing military operations and violence between Israeli forces and armed groups. The unpredictable nature of the conflict and the hostile environment severely impact civilian safety. In Israel and the Gaza Strip, the situation is particularly volatile, with frequent airstrikes, missile exchanges, and the indefinite closure of Ben Gurion International Airport, complicating both entry and exit. Travelers currently in these areas are strongly advised to shelter in place, follow instructions from local authorities, and stay vigilant. Consular support may be limited due to the severe security situation.

The West Bank and Jerusalem are also experiencing heightened tensions and violent incidents, making travel extremely dangerous. Israeli military operations continue in areas around major cities like Hebron, Jenin, and Ramallah, leading to frequent clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinian civilians. Additionally, violent confrontations involving Israeli settlers targeting both Palestinians and foreign nationals have been reported. Jerusalem, particularly around religious sites such as the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount, is at high risk of political violence, including stabbings, shootings, and car rammings, often exacerbated during religious holidays. Travelers are advised to limit movement, avoid conflict zones, and be cautious at Israeli military checkpoints, which can be volatile and lead to delays.

The Gaza Strip remains one of the most perilous areas globally due to continuous military conflict. Canada and other countries explicitly warn against all travel to Gaza, where Israeli military operations are ongoing. Borders are heavily guarded, and entry is tightly controlled, with Erez Crossing closed and Rafah Crossing being the sole, perilous exit route. The risk of injury is exceptionally high, and connectivity issues, including telecommunications and power outages, make communication and access to information difficult. Those in Gaza are urged to remain in secure locations until safe departure is possible, noting the severely limited consular services in the region.

The broader regional crisis, marked by escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, significantly heightens security risks for residents and travelers alike. Missile strikes from both sides have led to unpredictable military actions, straining air defense systems in Israel and raising concerns about civilian safety in populated areas like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. Border regions, including the Gaza Strip, are especially vulnerable to rocket attacks and retaliatory strikes. There is an increased threat of unexploded ordnance and military debris, and tourists are advised to stay indoors during air raids and avoid nighttime travel when security conditions are most unstable.

Entry and exit challenges are profound, with Ben Gurion International Airport’s indefinite closure causing major disruptions and flight cancellations. Travelers should anticipate stringent security checks and potentially long wait times at Israeli border checkpoints, where entry may be denied. For those who must travel, safety measures recommended by governments include monitoring local news, strictly following instructions from local authorities, seeking shelter during air raids, registering with consular services, and avoiding crowded areas or demonstrations which can quickly turn violent.

In conclusion, the security situation across Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, and Iran remains critically volatile. International governments, including Canada, strongly urge their citizens to reconsider or avoid travel to these regions due to the ongoing conflicts, heightened security risks, and unpredictable violence. While consular services are available, their capacity to assist may be severely restricted given the dangerous conditions. Travelers already in the region are advised to prioritize their safety by taking all necessary precautions, remaining informed, and maintaining constant communication with local authorities and their respective consular services as the situation continues to unfold.