MENA: Officials evacuate staff from several country embassies in Middle East and North Africa as of Oct. 19 /update 1

Event

Israel has evacuated diplomatic staff from its embassies in several countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, including Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco, as of Oct. 19 amid heightened tensions in connection with its war with Hamas. The move to evacuate the diplomatic facilities comes ahead of a likely Israeli ground offensive into the Gaza Strip and after a blast at the Al-Ahli al-Arabi Hospital in the territory killed hundreds of people on Oct. 17, prompting significant protest activity across the region, including near Israeli diplomatic missions. Palestinian authorities have alleged that an Israeli airstrike caused the explosion at the hospital; however, Israeli officials have denied the Palestinian claim, instead asserting that a misfired rocket launched by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) caused the blast.

Israeli authorities have increased security measures at diplomatic missions globally, and staff at other diplomatic missions in the MENA region have been requested to stay at home. The evacuation of remaining Israeli diplomatic missions in the MENA region is possible in the coming days. On-site services, as well as document delivery to and from diplomatic missions, are likely to be disrupted until further notice.

Advice

Avoid any demonstrations that may materialize near Israeli diplomatic facilities. Ensure contingency plans account for disruptions to consular support. Follow all official instructions. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.