In an emailed memo sent to employees of the University on Oct. 13, Washington University’s International Travel Oversight Committee (ITOC) announced that Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank would be placed on the University’s Travel Suspensions Conditions list. The update means that University-sponsored travel to the aforementioned locations is prohibited until further notice. 

The Travel Suspensions Conditions list includes “any country or region for which serious health and/or significant security concerns exist in the country or region.”  

The notice follows news of other universities, such as Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania, restricting travel to areas affected by the latest Israel-Hamas war. Some universities, such as the University of Washington and Northeastern University, are scrambling to protect students who are studying abroad in Israel. 

In a statement to Student Life, ITOC wrote that “There are no WashU students currently studying abroad in Israel through WashU-approved programs.” ITOC also said that no changes to the University’s spring or summer study-abroad programs in Israel have been implemented. 

For those traveling in Israel, Gaza, or the West Bank, ITOC recommended keeping a low profile and taking extra precaution by avoiding displaying any obvious signs of nationality. ITOC advised that people in the affected areas avoid spaces where protests or demonstrations are taking place. 

“Be prepared to leave an area where crowds are anticipated or begin to gather. In some instances, local security forces may adopt robust tactics to disperse crowds or contain unrest,” read the memo. 

In its notice, ITOC stated that the situation will be monitored closely and the decision to place Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank on the Travel Suspensions Conditions list will be reviewed weekly. 

“The University recognizes this is a dynamic and evolving situation,” ITOC wrote.