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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/wm_122708.html

2008 WARDEN MESSAGES

Warden Message – U.S. Government Employee Travel Restrictions Due to IDF Military Operations in Gaza

December 27, 2008

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens of IDF military operations in the Gaza Strip. Due to IDF military operations in the Gaza Strip and reported fatalities, U.S. Government employees are restricted from traveling within a 30 km radius of the Gaza Strip and asked to exercise caution and avoid crowds in Jerusalem, although our primary concern is the possibility of spontaneous demonstrations.

American citizens should exercise caution, stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

In addition, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip. Conflict and violence can occur and spread rapidly and unpredictably in the Gaza Strip. The State Department strongly recommends that American citizens refrain from all travel to the Gaza strip and that those already in Gaza depart immediately. This recommendation has been in effect since the deadly roadside bombing of a U.S. Embassy convoy in Gaza in October 2003. It applies to all Americans, including journalists and aid workers. No U.S. government official travel is permitted inside the Gaza Strip at this time.

Americans traveling in this district should regularly monitor the U.S. Consulate General’s website (http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov) and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Israel, West Bank and Gaza, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.

The U.S. Consulate General also encourages U.S. citizens to review “A Safe Trip Abroad,” found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

To contact the American Consulate after hours regarding an emergency situation, please call 02-622-7250. For routine inquiries, please email the American Citizen Services Unit at JerusalemACS@state.gov.