Security Alert: Israel, Rafah Border Crossing Opened on Limited Basis

February 2, 2026

Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (February 2, 2026)

Location: Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza

Event: As of February 2, the Government of Israel in coordination with the Government of Egypt has provisionally opened the Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt.

Exit from and entry into the Gaza Strip via the Rafah Crossing may be permitted only after prior security clearance by both the Governments of Israel and Egypt. This includes the return of residents to Gaza. U.S. citizens in Gaza are reminded that the U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there.

The current travel advisory for Gaza remains at Level 4: Do Not Travel . U.S. citizens in need of assistance who wish to enter or exit Gaza should contact JerusalemACS@state.gov or by phone at +972-2-630-4000.

Actions to Take:

Refer to our website for the latest Security Alerts: https://il.usembassy.gov/category/alert/.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Avoid crowds.
Avoid demonstrations.
Monitor local media for updates.
Follow the instructions of local authorities.
Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment provides you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.
Read the Destination Information for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza . For additional information, refer to the Traveler’s Checklist on the State Department’s website.