'Do Not Travel' warning issued to Irish citizens amid Iranian attacks on Israel

The Department of Foreign Affairs has urged Irish people not to travel to Israel as the country's government has declared a state of emergency on Friday after it launched a series of attacks on Iran overnight, causing tensions between the two countries to reach boiling point.

With Iran's nuclear programme targeted in the attack, Israel has since been hit with drone strikes by Iran which has led to the closure of the Israeli airspace and grave uncertainty for those in Israel, including some Irish citizens.

In response to the escalation in violence between the two adversaries, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs updated their travel advice for Irish citizens to Israel and Palestine on Friday. The advice states: "Due to the emergency situation, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises against all travel to Israel and Palestine.

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"Irish citizens currently in Israel or Palestine who have not already done so, are asked to register on the Department’s Citizens Registration platform.

"The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency. Israeli airspace has been closed until further notice. Significant airport disruptions are anticipated. Please contact your airline for relevant updates prior to travel. Travellers can check on the status of flights. For the latest guidance on land crossings to Jordan, please contact the Embassy."

The Department previously had issued a 'Do Not Travel' warning for Iran, prior to this escalation.

A spokesperson from the Department reiterated in a statement: "The Department of Foreign Affairs continues to advise against all travel to Iran for Irish citizens. The Department has this morning updated its travel advice to advise against all travel to Israel for Irish citizens."

They continued: "Irish citizens in the region are advised to be vigilant, follow the advice of local authorities, including any orders to shelter in place. Irish citizens in the region in need of assistance should contact their closest Irish Embassy or call the Department of Foreign Affairs at + 353 1 408 2527."

In response to the news of the strikes on Friday morning, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris said: "My officials are in touch with our Embassy in Tehran regarding the safety of the small Irish community in Iran and we are in close contact with our EU partners."

He said there is a small number of Irish citizens living in Iran as well as Irish diplomats.