Israel Issues Urgent Travel Warning for Tigray Region Amid Security Escalation

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an urgent travel warning for its citizens, advising them to refrain from all trips to the Tigray region of Ethiopia until further notice. This advisory comes in response to a deteriorating security situation and the resumption of armed clashes in and around the region.

Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to and from the airports of Mekelle, Axum, and Shire due to the heightened security concerns, with no clear timeline for when services will resume. The ministry stated that it is currently unknown when flights will be reinstated.

Israeli nationals currently in Tigray are urged to exercise extreme caution, minimize non-essential movements, and avoid public gatherings, demonstrations, military installations, and potential conflict zones. They are also advised to remain in secure locations whenever possible and to follow the directives of local authorities.

The ministry highlighted the risk of rapid security changes, including road blockages, communication disruptions, and altered transportation options. It specifically cautioned against inter-city travel or attempting to leave the region independently without first verifying the safety of routes and destinations.

Israeli citizens in Tigray are also encouraged to maintain contact with Ethiopian Airlines for updates on flight resumptions and to promptly inform the Israeli Embassy in Addis Ababa of their whereabouts and contact details, reporting any changes immediately. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it is continuously monitoring the situation and will update its recommendations accordingly.