18 Oct 2023 | 05:35 PM UTC
MENA: Evacuation of Israeli diplomatic missions in Egypt and Morocco Oct. 18
Evacuation of Israeli diplomatic missions in Egypt and Morocco Oct. 18; increased security and evacuations at embassies possible regionwide.
Event
The Israeli Foreign Ministry evacuated staff from the Israeli embassy in Cairo, Egypt, and from the liaison office in Rabat, Morocco, on Oct. 18 due to protests in support of Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war. Protests have taken place outside of the Israeli missions in Cairo, Rabat, and Amman, Jordan, as well as at other Israeli embassies worldwide. The demonstrations also denounce the explosion at the Al-Ahli al-Arabi Hospital in Gaza, which killed at least 471 people and wounded 314 others. Palestinian authorities attributed the blast to an Israeli airstrike, which Israeli officials have denied. Investigations of the incident are ongoing.
Israeli authorities have increased security measures at diplomatic missions globally. The evacuation of remaining Israeli diplomatic missions throughout the MENA region is possible in the coming days. Staff at other diplomatic missions regionwide have been requested to stay at home. On-site services, as well as document delivery to and from diplomatic missions, are likely to be disrupted until further notice.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Ensure contingency plans account for disruptions to consular support.
