İlayda Çakırtekin
18 June 2025•Update: 18 June 2025
ISTANBUL
France's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday warned citizens against traveling to Israeli and Palestinian territories while tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate.
"Given the regional security situation, French nationals are strongly advised not to travel to Israel and the Palestinian Territories, including for tourist and family visits," a statement issued by the ministry said.
It urged French citizens passing through the region to be "extremely vigilant," remain close to a shelter, and limit themselves to essential activities.
"Flights to and from (Tel Aviv’s) Ben Gurion Airport are suspended. Nationals who do not wish to remain in Israel while waiting for the airspace to reopen may prefer to depart by land to Jordan or Egypt via the various border crossing points," the statement added.
The ministry also issued a warning statement for French citizens in Iran, advising them to "seek safety outside the Tehran area."
"As the bombings intensify, particularly in several areas of the Tehran metropolitan region, including residential zones, French nationals are advised to seek safety outside the Tehran area. Iranian airspace and Tehran's international airport remain closed, with no indication of when they might reopen. However, land borders — notably with Türkiye and Armenia — are currently open," the statement wrote.
It also reminded the citizens to not travel at night "for safety reasons."
On June 13, Israel launched large-scale attacks targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities across several cities, as well as high-ranking military command centers.
Iranian media reported Wednesday that the death toll from Israeli airstrikes across Tehran and other populated areas has risen to 585, with at least 1,326 people injured since the attacks started last week.
In retaliation, Iran’s military launched ballistic missiles at Israel, killing 24 people and wounding over 500, according to reports.
