Occupied Quds - (Saba):
Israeli media reported that hundreds of Israelis fled Iranian bombardment of the occupied Palestinian territories to Europe via the Sinai Peninsula, despite travel warnings to Egypt.
The Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the Israeli National Security Command had warned Israelis against remaining in or traveling to Egypt following the outbreak of war with Tehran. Despite this, Israelis are passing overland through the Taba border crossing in Sinai and by air via Sharm el-Sheikh Airport.
The newspaper added that Israelis are prepared to undertake a long, arduous, and even dangerous journey within Sinai and not remain in Israel during this period.
It explained that there is a rapid development in the phenomenon of migration in the opposite direction, as Israelis wishing to leave the occupied Palestinian territories during these tense days are resorting to the indirect option of crossing overland to the Egyptian city of Taba, and from there by air from Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport.
The newspaper continued: "Despite the complex and dangerous route, which involves border crossings, long journeys, and delays, the high security risks, and explicit instructions to avoid Egypt and Sinai, dozens, even hundreds, of Israelis choose to take this route to escape the war." The newspaper said that on social media, Israelis say this route requires a degree of logistical flexibility.
The trip takes approximately three hours by car between Taba and Sharm el-Sheikh. Some passengers reported being asked to show a departure ticket from Sharm el-Sheikh or a short-term hotel reservation. Waiting times at the border itself, according to testimonies, range from 10 to 30 minutes. The main and most convenient destination from Sharm el-Sheikh is Istanbul.