The Government today raised the outbound travel alert for Israel to red in view of the latest developments there.

It advised residents who intend to visit Israel to adjust their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel. Those already there should monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to their personal safety and avoid protests and large gatherings of people.

Due to the volatile security situation, the Government also reminded residents to avoid all travel to Gaza and its vicinity as well as areas along the border with Syria and Lebanon.

The Security Bureau will continue to closely monitor the situation in Israel and issue updates through the media, the bureau's mobile app and its outbound travel alert webpage.

In response to the latest situation in Israel and Palestine, the Hong Kong Immigration Department has immediately contacted the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the State of Israel, the Office of the People's Republic of China to the State of Palestine and the Travel Industry Authority to understand the situation. 

As at 6pm today, the department has received enquiries from 17 Hong Kong residents. Five of them have left safely and are on their way back to Hong Kong.

The department said it will continue to maintain close liaison with the remaining 12 Hong Kong residents and provide information and assistance regarding their itinerary and flight arrangements as appropriate.

It also noted that a tour group of 30 Hong Kong residents is currently in Israel and some members of the group will return to Hong Kong early. It will maintain close liaison with the group and render assistance according to their wishes.

Hong Kong residents in Israel may call the 24-hour hotline of the department’s Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit at (852) 1868, contact the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the State of Israel at (972) 3-5459520, or the Office of the People's Republic of China to the State of Palestine at (970) 595776516 for assistance.