SINGAPOREANS with upcoming trips to Israel are relooking their travel plans following an uptick in the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas over the weekend.

Reverend Dr Aaron Tay of Bedok Methodist Church had been planning to lead a group of 56 parishioners to Israel from Nov 26 to Dec 11, but has put the 16-day trip on hold.

Israel declared a “state of war” on Saturday (Oct 7) after Palestinian militant group Hamas launched some 2,200 missiles from the Gaza Strip and infiltrated southern Israel over the weekend. More than 700 Israelis and over 400 Palestinians have died so far in this conflict, along with at least 1,200 wounded.

Rev Dr Tay and his group were planning to visit the south of Israel, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and Tiberius, some 90km from the Gaza strip. He told The Straits Times that he is waiting for more information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

“We are saddened by the loss of lives, and we would not intentionally go into a place of conflict, especially with the MFA advisory,” Rev Dr Tay said, adding that the trip had already been paid for in full.

“We may plan to go at another time when things are better – maybe in six to 12 months’ time.”

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On Sunday, MFA advised Singaporeans to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Israel’s borders with the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria. It also urged Singaporeans to avoid all non-essential travel to Israel in view of the ongoing rocket fire between Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Married couple Dexter and Rosemary Chia, both 60, were planning a trip to Israel from Oct 30 to Nov 8 with a tour group of around 30 people.

Mrs Chia said she and her husband have not been told anything by the tour agency yet, and are unsure of whether flights will be cancelled.

“Right now, all we can do is wait for more information,” she said, adding that they were not likely to go if the tour proceeds as planned. She declined to share more details about her trip, including the name of the tour agency.

Israeli tour operator Israel Sar-El tours, which partners local tour organiser Omega Tours to offer visits to Israel, said on Facebook that visitors who are due to arrive in the next few days will have their itineraries modified according to the situation.

Groups that are currently in Israel are safe and have itineraries away from the troubled region, it added in a Facebook post on Sunday night.

ST has contacted the tour operator on the number of groups with Singaporeans that are in the country and the number of Singaporeans who are planning to go.

“We are maintaining ongoing communications with all the relevant authorities, and further travel updates will follow as the situation unfolds,” said Sar-El tours.

Another tour group organiser who spoke on condition of anonymity said that his priority is the well-being and safety of all travellers.

He and a group of 40 others are slated to visit Israel in mid-November and the decision on whether to proceed with the trip will be made within the week.

The organiser added that he will follow MFA advisories and has since allowed participants to withdraw from the tour with a refund provided.

However, many are still keen to go and are hoping for the best, he said, without elaborating.

In its advisory, MFA said Singaporeans travelling to or staying in Israel and the Palestinian Territories should be vigilant and monitor local developments closely. They should also avoid areas known for public disturbances or where large crowds gather, especially in the Old City and East Jerusalem, including Haram al-Sharif, or Temple Mount.

They should also buy comprehensive travel and medical insurance, added the ministry.

Singaporeans are strongly encouraged to register online with MFA at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg should they decide to travel to the region, the ministry said, adding that they should also stay in touch with their family and friends.

ST has contacted other Singaporean tour operators which are organising trips to Israel for more information. Those who need consular assistance while in Israel or the Palestinian Territories may contact the Singapore Embassy in Tel Aviv or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24 hours).

Singapore Embassy in Israel (Tel Aviv)

Tel: +972-3-7289334

E-mail: singemb_tlv@mfa.sg

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24 hours)

Tel: +65-6379-8800/8855

E-mail: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg

THE STRAITS TIMES