department of defense travel restrictions

Update April 12, 2024

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Understanding The Department Of Defense's Travel Restrictions: What You Need To Know

• Last updated Oct 31, 2023
• Difficulty Advanced

• Category United States

The Department of Defense is not just responsible for protecting our nation's security, but also for keeping us informed and safe during times of travel restrictions. When emergencies or global crises arise, the DOD is at the forefront, providing crucial information and guidance to military personnel and their families, as well as civilians traveling on official business. Whether it's preventing the spread of contagious diseases or ensuring the safety of our troops in politically unstable areas, the travel restrictions department of defense plays a vital role in protecting our nation and its citizens.

What You'll Learn

What role does the department of defense play in implementing and enforcing travel restrictions, how does the department of defense determine when to implement travel restrictions, what types of travel restrictions does the department of defense put in place during times of crisis or conflict, how do travel restrictions issued by the department of defense affect military personnel and their families, what is the process for seeking exemptions or exceptions to travel restrictions imposed by the department of defense.

The Department of Defense (DoD) plays a crucial role in implementing and enforcing travel restrictions. As a part of its responsibilities to ensure the security and safety of the United States, the DoD works closely with other government agencies to develop and implement policies regarding travel restrictions.

One of the ways the DoD is involved in implementing travel restrictions is through the coordination of travel advisories. When the DoD identifies a potential threat or risk to the safety and security of U.S. personnel or assets abroad, it issues travel advisories to notify military personnel and their families about any changes in travel conditions or restrictions. These advisories provide information on specific countries or regions that may be unsafe for travel and outline any travel restrictions that may be in place.

In addition to issuing travel advisories, the DoD also has the authority to restrict or prohibit travel to certain locations or regions if there is a significant risk to the safety of U.S. personnel or if it is deemed necessary for national security reasons. These restrictions can include prohibiting all travel to a specific country or region, or imposing a requirement for personnel to receive special authorization before traveling to certain locations.

The DoD works closely with other government agencies, such as the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security, to gather information and intelligence on potential threats or risks. This information is used to assess the need for travel restrictions and to determine which areas pose the greatest risk to U.S. personnel. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive and coordinated approach to implementing and enforcing travel restrictions.

Once travel restrictions are in place, the DoD plays a crucial role in enforcing these restrictions. Military personnel are required to comply with all travel advisories and restrictions issued by the DoD. This includes obtaining the necessary authorizations and clearances before traveling to restricted areas. The DoD conducts regular checks and screenings to ensure compliance with travel restrictions and takes appropriate disciplinary action for any violations.

To further enhance enforcement efforts, the DoD utilizes advanced technology and intelligence capabilities. This includes monitoring travel patterns and analyzing data to identify potential threats or risks associated with individuals or groups that may be attempting to bypass travel restrictions. This proactive approach helps to detect and prevent any potential security breaches.

The DoD also collaborates with foreign governments and international partners to share information and coordinate efforts to implement and enforce travel restrictions. This international cooperation is critical for addressing global threats and ensuring the safety of U.S. personnel operating in foreign countries.

In conclusion, the Department of Defense plays a vital role in implementing and enforcing travel restrictions. Through the issuance of travel advisories and collaboration with other government agencies, the DoD ensures that military personnel are aware of any potential risks and travel restrictions. It also takes proactive measures to enforce these restrictions and prevent any security breaches. By working closely with international partners, the DoD contributes to the global effort to maintain the security and safety of U.S. personnel abroad.

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The Department of Defense (DoD) plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of the United States, and one of the ways they do this is by implementing travel restrictions when necessary. These restrictions help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, protect military personnel, and maintain operational readiness. So how does the DoD determine when to implement travel restrictions?

• Scientific analysis: When considering whether to implement travel restrictions, the DoD relies on scientific analysis and advice from subject matter experts. They closely monitor public health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to gather data and assess the risk of an infectious disease spreading through travel. This helps inform their decision-making process.
• Risk assessment: The DoD conducts thorough risk assessments to determine the potential impact of a disease outbreak on military personnel, their families, and the overall readiness of the armed forces. They consider factors such as the severity of the disease, its transmissibility, and the ability to mitigate its spread through travel restrictions. This analysis helps them evaluate the risk-benefit ratio of implementing travel restrictions.
• Consultation with partner nations: The DoD works closely with partner nations to share information and coordinate efforts when it comes to travel restrictions. They exchange data on disease outbreaks, share best practices, and collaborate on implementing consistent travel policies. By consulting with other countries, the DoD can make more informed decisions that consider the global impact of travel restrictions.
• Evaluation of operational readiness: The DoD assesses the impact of travel restrictions on operational readiness. They consider the potential disruption to military training, deployments, and logistical operations. These evaluations help strike a balance between mitigating the risk of disease spread and ensuring mission readiness.
• Case studies and lessons learned: The DoD draws from past experiences and case studies to inform their decision-making process. They analyze how travel restrictions were implemented in similar situations, assess their effectiveness, and learn from any shortcomings. This helps them refine their approach and make more informed decisions in the future.

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the DoD implemented travel restrictions to minimize the spread of the virus among military personnel and their families. These restrictions included limiting non-essential travel, implementing quarantine measures, and modifying deployment schedules. By utilizing scientific analysis, conducting risk assessments, consulting with partner nations, evaluating operational readiness, and learning from past experiences, the DoD was able to effectively implement travel restrictions to protect their personnel and maintain mission readiness.

In conclusion, the Department of Defense determines when to implement travel restrictions by conducting scientific analyses, assessing risks, consulting with partner nations, evaluating operational readiness, and learning from past experiences. These measures help ensure the safety and security of military personnel and help maintain the overall readiness of the armed forces. By taking a comprehensive approach to decision-making, the DoD can effectively navigate the challenges posed by infectious diseases and protect the well-being of those in their care.

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In times of crisis or conflict, the Department of Defense (DoD) often implements various travel restrictions to ensure the safety and security of military personnel and their families. These restrictions may apply to both domestic and international travel, and they can range from minor inconveniences to complete bans on certain types of travel.

One common type of travel restriction that the DoD may impose is a restriction on official travel. This means that military personnel are only allowed to travel for essential purposes, such as training exercises, deployments, or logistical support missions. Non-essential travel, such as vacations or personal trips, may be prohibited or highly discouraged during these times.

Additionally, the DoD may implement restrictions on travel to specific countries or regions that are deemed to be high-risk or experiencing significant threats. These restrictions are based on intelligence reports and assessments of the security situation in those areas. For example, during times of heightened tensions in the Middle East, the DoD may restrict travel to certain countries in the region to minimize the risk of military personnel being targeted or exposed to potential threats.

In some cases, the DoD may also impose restrictions on military personnel traveling within their own country. These restrictions could be in response to a natural disaster, civil unrest, or other incidents that pose a threat to the safety and security of military personnel. For example, during a major hurricane, the DoD may restrict travel to a specific area that is expected to be heavily impacted by the storm, in order to prevent military personnel from being stranded or put in harm's way.

The DoD also has the authority to restrict travel for military family members. This may include limiting or prohibiting travel to certain high-risk areas, or implementing restrictions on leave and vacation time. These measures are put in place to protect military families and prevent them from being exposed to potentially dangerous situations.

During times of crisis or conflict, the DoD may implement travel restrictions on a step-by-step basis, depending on the evolving situation and level of threat. For example, they may start by recommending against non-essential travel to certain areas, and then gradually escalate the restrictions if the situation deteriorates. These decisions are made based on a combination of intelligence, risk assessments, and consultation with military leaders and foreign partners.

Examples of travel restrictions imposed by the DoD include the travel ban imposed on Iraq and several other Muslim-majority countries in 2017, in response to concerns about terrorism and national security. This ban, also known as the "Muslim ban," received significant criticism and legal challenges, but it remained in effect for several years before being lifted by the Biden administration.

In conclusion, the Department of Defense implements various travel restrictions during times of crisis or conflict to ensure the safety and security of military personnel and their families. These restrictions can range from minor inconveniences to complete bans on travel to certain countries or regions. They are based on intelligence reports, risk assessments, and consultation with military leaders, and they are implemented on a step-by-step basis depending on the evolving situation. The goal of these travel restrictions is to minimize the risk of military personnel being targeted or exposed to potential threats.

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Travel restrictions issued by the Department of Defense (DoD) play a significant role in the lives of military personnel and their families. These restrictions are put in place to ensure the safety and security of military members and to support mission readiness. In this article, we will explore how these travel restrictions affect military personnel and their families, providing both scientific and experiential perspectives.

Firstly, it is important to understand that travel restrictions issued by the DoD can vary depending on the circumstances and the specific region or country involved. These restrictions are typically implemented in response to potential threats, such as political instability, terrorism, or infectious disease outbreaks. By limiting travel to certain areas, the DoD aims to minimize risks to military personnel and prevent disruptions to military operations.

Scientifically speaking, travel restrictions have been proven to be effective in mitigating potential risks. Research studies have shown that restricting travel to high-risk areas can reduce the likelihood of exposure to dangerous situations or infectious diseases. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions played a key role in preventing the spread of the virus within military communities and ensuring the continued readiness of military forces.

From an experiential standpoint, military personnel and their families often face unique challenges and sacrifices due to travel restrictions. These restrictions can impact deployment schedules, overseas assignments, and personal travel plans. Military families may have to adjust their routines and accept the uncertainty that comes with frequent changes in travel regulations. Additionally, not being able to visit loved ones or attend important family events due to travel restrictions can be emotionally challenging for military personnel and their families.

Step-by-step, military personnel and their families must adhere to the travel restrictions implemented by the DoD. This typically involves staying informed about the latest travel advisories and following the guidance provided by their unit commanders or installation leadership. It is essential for military families to understand the potential risks associated with travel and prioritize the safety and well-being of both themselves and their loved ones.

Examples of how travel restrictions affect military personnel and their families can be seen in various scenarios. For instance, if a service member is stationed overseas and travel restrictions are imposed due to a security threat, they may not be able to visit their family back home for an extended period of time. Similarly, a military spouse may be unable to accompany their service member during a deployment if travel restrictions are in place. These examples highlight the impact travel restrictions can have on military families, often leading to long periods of separation and uncertainty.

In conclusion, travel restrictions issued by the Department of Defense have a significant impact on military personnel and their families. While these restrictions are designed to protect and maintain the readiness of military forces, they also come with challenges and sacrifices for military families. By understanding the scientific rationale behind these restrictions, following the guidance provided, and prioritizing safety, military personnel and their families can navigate the complexities and uncertainties associated with travel restrictions.

Navigating Travel Restrictions: A Guide to Liat Travel Guidelines

In response to various global security challenges, the Department of Defense (DoD) has implemented travel restrictions to ensure the safety and well-being of military personnel and their families. However, there may be situations in which individuals need to seek exemptions or exceptions to these travel restrictions. This article will explain the process for seeking such exemptions and provide examples of scenarios where exemptions may be granted.

The first step in seeking an exemption to travel restrictions imposed by the DoD is to understand the specific regulations and guidelines in place. These restrictions can vary depending on factors such as the destination, the nature of the travel, and the current security situation. It is essential to consult the appropriate DoD directives, instructions, or other official sources to determine the exact requirements and procedures for seeking an exemption.

Once the regulations and guidelines have been reviewed, the next step is to gather all the necessary documentation and evidence to support the request for an exemption. This may include documents such as travel orders, medical records, or other relevant paperwork. It is crucial to ensure that all required documentation is complete and accurate to increase the chances of a successful exemption request.

After gathering the required documentation, the individual seeking an exemption must submit a formal request through the designated channels. This usually involves contacting the appropriate authority within the DoD, such as a commanding officer, personnel office, or travel coordination center. The request should include a clear and concise explanation of the reasons for seeking an exemption and should provide all relevant supporting documentation.

Once the request has been submitted, it will undergo a review process. This review process may involve multiple levels of review, including evaluations by medical professionals, security clearance personnel, and other relevant stakeholders. The purpose of this review process is to ensure that the request is assessed comprehensively and fairly, taking into account all relevant factors and potential risks.

In some cases, the review process may also involve a personal interview or additional inquiries to gather more information. For example, in situations where an individual is seeking an exemption based on a medical condition, the DoD may require a medical evaluation or consultation with a specialist to verify the severity of the condition and its impact on travel.

Once the review process is complete, a decision will be made regarding the exemption request. If the request is approved, the individual will receive formal notification, typically in the form of a written document or an email. This approval will outline any conditions or restrictions associated with the exemption and provide guidance on how to proceed with the approved travel.

In cases where the exemption request is denied, the individual will also receive formal notification. This notification will typically explain the reasons for the denial and may provide information on any alternative options or avenues for appeal.

It is important to note that seeking an exemption to travel restrictions imposed by the DoD does not guarantee approval. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and decisions are made based on factors such as national security, public health, and individual circumstances. It is essential to approach the process with a realistic understanding of these factors and to provide accurate and comprehensive information to support the request.

Examples of scenarios where exemptions may be granted include situations where an individual needs to travel for critical medical treatment not available at their current location, emergency family situations, or essential mission requirements. However, it is crucial to consult the specific regulations and guidelines in place at the time of the request to determine the eligibility for an exemption in a particular scenario.

In conclusion, seeking exemptions or exceptions to travel restrictions imposed by the Department of Defense requires a thorough understanding of the regulations and guidelines in place and the submission of a formal request with supporting documentation. The process involves a comprehensive review and evaluation, and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. It is important to approach the process with accurate and complete information and to have a realistic understanding of the factors that may influence the decision.

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Frequently asked questions.

The Department of Defense has implemented travel restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These restrictions vary based on the location and the specific mission requirements. Personnel are encouraged to consult with their unit or installation leadership for the most up-to-date information on travel restrictions.

Non-mission essential travel is generally discouraged, and personnel are advised to limit travel to essential purposes only. Personal travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. It is important to prioritize the health and safety of oneself and others during these challenging times.

Yes, there are exceptions to the travel restrictions for Department of Defense personnel. These exceptions may include travel for mission-critical purposes, humanitarian reasons, or emergency situations. However, all travel requests must be approved through the chain of command and be in compliance with applicable health and safety guidelines.

The duration of the travel restrictions for Department of Defense personnel is subject to change based on the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Defense continually assesses the situation and updates its travel guidance as necessary. It is important for personnel to stay informed and follow the guidance provided by their unit or installation leadership.

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‘Indefinite’ Defense Department IDs Inconvenience Air Travelers, May Be Dropped As Acceptable Identification

Military retirees and some spouses or dependents whose next-generation Department of Defense identification cards have an "INDEF" expiration date continue to face problems using their IDs to traverse Transportation Security Administration checkpoints at U.S. airports.

And a potential solution under consideration at TSA -- that the agency drops the IDs, known as USIDs, as acceptable forms of identification when stricter travel requirements are implemented next year -- is sure to irritate those who like using their military IDs instead of a state driver's license or passport for travel.

Nearly a dozen military retirees have contacted Military.com in the past two years with concerns that their ID cards marked INDEF, meaning they have an indefinite expiration date, don't work with TSA screening technology in airports across the country.

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Former service members have run into the issue at Chicago O'Hare International, Seattle-Tacoma International, Orlando International, Tampa International, San Diego International and elsewhere.

According to TSA press secretary R. Carter Langston, the problem centers around USIDs that lack an expiration date. The "INDEF" designation cannot be read by the TSA's Credential Authentication Technology. When the CAT unit does not detect an expiration date, the CAT screen will display an "EXPIRED" alert, according to Langston.

The TSA officer is supposed to ask for another acceptable form of ID that can be read by the CAT unit, Langston said. If the passenger does not have another acceptable form of ID, the officer "will conduct manual inspection of the DoD ID presented as these IDs are currently acceptable forms of ID," Langston said in a statement.

The issue is largely a matter of inconvenience, since many people travel with a driver's license, passport or other form of identification.

But for DoD ID card holders, it could become a major problem beginning May 7, 2025, when all travelers and visitors to the U.S. will be required to have a passport, a state-verified REAL ID or another form of identification designated as acceptable by TSA.

Since the REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed, Defense Department IDs holders have been told their IDs are compliant and acceptable in lieu of a REAL ID and many have not bothered to get a REAL ID compatible state identification card.

They may need to or begin traveling with a passport, because given the ongoing issues, TSA is considering dropping DoD IDs from their list of accepted identification before the REAL ID requirement goes into effect, according to a source with knowledge of ongoing discussions between TSA and the Defense Department.

The Defense Department did not respond to a request for comment on the proposal, and Langston said he would not "confirm or deny discussions that are pre-decisional in nature."

But the proposal does not sit well among some former service members who spent decades serving their country and take pride in carrying a military ID.

"You can get on any military base in the country, but you can't get on an airplane with a military ID card? I don't agree with that at all," said a military retiree based in Washington state who requested that his name not be used to protect how he learned of the proposal.

The source added that the decision is not final and discussions were ongoing.

The Defense Department updated the new IDs, known as USID, for active-duty family members, military retirees and their dependents, reservists and Medal of Honor recipients in 2020, the first upgrade to the cards since 1993.

The USID cards look similar to Common Access Cards, which are issued to active-duty personnel, but they don't have a built-in chip. They were created to have durable lamination, full-color photos and enhanced security features to make them less able to counterfeit or misuse.

When the USIDs were introduced, TSA's scanning system was unable to read their barcodes. That issue largely was fixed in 2022 with a software update , and DoD ID cards work for most individuals whose cards have an expiration date.

But the problem continues for IDs with the "INDEF" date. And retirees aren't happy about it.

"It's been my assumption all along [that I could fly with a DoD ID card]," said the Washington-based retired officer. "I had an old ID until just a couple of months ago, and it worked just fine."

Related: Defense Department Expands ID Card Renewals by Mail to US-Based Retirees, Dependents

Patricia Kime

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The U.S. issues new travel guidelines, warning that Iran will avenge the killings of senior commanders.

The State Department has barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel. Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back over the deadly bombing this month of an Iranian Embassy complex in Syria.

• Share full article

By Liam Stack and Eric Schmitt

• April 12, 2024

Several countries including the United States have issued new travel guidelines for Israel and the surrounding region, as the Israeli military said its forces were “highly alert” for a possible Iranian strike in retaliation for the killings of several commanders.

Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back at Israel over the bombing of an Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, this month that killed three generals and four other military officers. An American official said on Friday that Washington expects an attack by Iran against Israel that would be bigger than recent attacks in the long shadow war between the two countries, but not so big that it would draw the United States into war. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The U.S. State Department on Thursday barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel, the first time the U.S. government had restricted the movement of its employees in this way since the war in Gaza began more than six months ago.

On Thursday, Britain told its citizens that they “should consider leaving” Israel and the Palestinian territories “if it is safe to do so.” On Friday, India told its citizens “not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice,” while France advised people not to travel to Israel, Iran or Lebanon and evacuated the families of French diplomats from Iran.

Asked about the U.S. travel warning , Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesman, said at a news briefing Thursday: “We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days.” He declined to provide details about any specific information that prompted the warning.

The new guidelines bar U.S. government employees and their families from traveling to locations outside the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheba metropolitan areas “out of an abundance of caution” until further notice. The State Department said U.S. personnel could move among those areas for personal travel.

The top American military commander for the Middle East, Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, traveled to Israel to coordinate a response to possible Iranian retaliation, U.S. officials said.

“Our enemies think that they will divide Israel and the United States,” the Israeli defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said in a statement on Friday after meeting with General Kurilla. “They are connecting us and are strengthening the relationship between us.”

If Iran attacks, he added, “we will know how to respond.”

On Thursday, the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said that the armed forces were “highly alert and prepared” for any action Iran might take, even as the timing and scale of any response remained unclear. Analysts say that Tehran, which has long used a network of proxy forces to project power across the Middle East, wants to avoid igniting a full-fledged war that could drag in the United States and threaten the survival of Iran’s regime.

“For years, and even more so during the war, Iran has been financing, directing and arming its proxies — in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, Iraq and Yemen — to attack the state of Israel,” he said. “An attack from Iranian territory would be clear evidence of Iran’s intentions to escalate the Middle East and stop hiding behind the proxies.”

Liam Stack is a Times reporter covering the Israel-Hamas war from Jerusalem. More about Liam Stack

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt

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Update on DOD COVID-19 Measures

You have accessed part of a historical collection on defense.gov. Some of the information contained within may be outdated and links may not function. Please contact the DOD Webmaster with any questions.

Today, the Secretary of Defense announced new travel restrictions for 60 days for service members, DOD civilians and families traveling to, from, or through Level 3 locations, as designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These restrictions are effective March 13.

"The Department of Defense's top priority remains the protection and welfare of our people. While directing this prudent action, I continue to delegate all necessary authority to commanders to make further decisions based on their assessments to protect their people and ensure mission readiness. While we deal with this fluid and evolving situation, I remain confident in our ability to protect our service members, civilians and families," said Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper.

This restriction includes all forms of travel, including Permanent Change of Station, Temporary Duty, and government funded leave. The Level 3 countries are set by the CDC and may change. The DOD guidance will follow those changes. Service secretaries and commanders may issue waivers to this policy as they determine necessary to ensure mission readiness and address specific cases.

Additionally, for the next 60 days, concurrent official travel to Level 2 locations for families of service members and civilian personnel is denied. For the next 60 days, DOD will implement enhanced health care protocols for traveler safety and transition to the use of military or contracted aircraft for required travel to Level 2 or 3 locations.

DOD has also issued updated Force Health Protection guidance that requires a screening and 14-day self-monitoring at home upon return for all DOD personnel who have traveled from, to or through Level 2 or 3 countries. This policy will be reviewed prior to the end of the 60-day period to determine whether it will be modified or extended.

The Department will continue to issue additional guidance with regard to the COVID-19 as conditions warrant. 

For information about force health protection guidance, see the  DOD Guidance for Personnel Traveling During the Novel Coronavirus Outbreak .

Additional travel restriction information can be found in the Travel Restrictions for DOD Components in Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 memo. 

For more information on the CDC travel restrictions, visit  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices /.

We encourage all DOD personnel to visit  https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus / for information on staying healthy during the outbreak.

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April 11, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Heather Chen , Antoinette Radford, Tori B. Powell , Aditi Sangal and Elise Hammond , CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza has moved  here .

UN committee fails to reach consensus on full Palestinian membership, Security Council president says

From CNN’s Richard Roth and Michael Rios

A specialized UN committee failed to reach a consensus Thursday on Palestinian membership in the United Nations, according to the president of the UN Security Council.

Two-thirds of the committee members were in favor of moving on with membership, with many countries arguing that “Palestine fulfills all the criteria that are required” to be granted full state member status, Malta's Ambassador and Security Council President Vanessa Frazier said. 

She added that no one explicitly objected to the membership qualifications.

Frazier also said she would circulate a draft report on the deliberations as soon as Friday. If the committee doesn’t agree on the report, it could hold another meeting to iron out any differences.

Asked whether the process of deliberating Palestinian membership in the committee is now over, Frazier said, “Unless the next step of agreeing (to) the report of the committee warrants another meeting to iron out the differences, it’s not foreseen that there would be any further committee action.”

But she noted that any UN Security Council member can still table a resolution to vote on Palestinian membership at any time, regardless of the committee's report.

The US and Middle East brace for a possible Iran attack that could escalate the conflict. Here's the latest

From CNN staff

Concerns about a possible Iranian attack against Israel has prompted many diplomatic conversations around the globe.

Here are some developments on diplomacy around the threat of an attack:

• Iran's statement: The imperative for Tehran to "punish" Israel for the deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week might have been avoided if the attack had been condemned at the United Nations, Iran’s Mission to the UN said Thursday.
• US and UK diplomacy: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with the foreign ministers of Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night and Thursday morning to tell them that countries should be urging Iran not to escalate the conflict in the Middle East after  threats made by Tehran against Israel,  according to a State Department spokesperson. The top US general for the Middle East is also in Israel . Additionally, Britain's foreign secretary warned his Iranian counterpart on Thursday that Tehran “must not draw” the Middle East into a wider conflict .
• Israel receives US support: Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke with Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The US officials expressed the country's support for Israel against Iranian threats. Gallant warned that such an attack could lead to a regional escalation.
• Travel restrictions: The US State Department restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel in the wake of public threats against Israel by Iran. “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events,” the alert noted. US officials  are on high alert  for a potential retaliatory strike by Iran or its proxies against Israel.

Meanwhile, here's some other updates:

• Hamas on hostages: A member of Hamas' political bureau said   a prisoner-hostage exchange is being discussed as part of larger ceasefire negotiations. "Part of negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data" on the hostages held in Gaza, Basem Naim said in a statement on Thursday. "Because they (hostages) are in different palaces, (being held) by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipment for this purpose."
• Updates on aid to Gaza: It is clear that Israel is working to ramp up humanitarian aid to Gaza, but it has not yet implemented all of the measures it has announced, a top United Nations humanitarian official said. Aid coming in trucks from Israel has to be "segregated from water, from food, from medical items" before it goes into Gaza, said Jamie McGoldrick, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator in Jerusalem. “Getting 400 trucks from Kerem Shalom doesn't mean 400 trucks go into Gaza,” he said, adding that the logistical complications are numerous, and take time to resolve. He also said Israel’s restrictions on movement inside the strip complicate matters.

Anera charity resumes work in Gaza after pausing when Israeli strike killed 7 World Central Kitchen staff

From CNN's Tala Alrajjal and Mohammed Tawfeeq

American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) has resumed Gaza operations "after a temporary pause" following an airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers on April 1.

"As you know, the decision to temporarily pause our operations was not an easy one. We followed the direction of our staff in Gaza, who've faced death, loss, and destruction since the start of the war," Sean Carroll, the president and CEO of Anera, said in a statement on Thursday. "After the killing of Anera staff member Mousa Shawwa , followed by the attack that killed seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen, we made the difficult but necessary decision to pause aid operations on April 2," Carroll added in the statement.

Carroll said Israeli authorities informed him during a meeting Thursday that "certain measures would be taken to protect humanitarian aid workers in Gaza – including Anera's staff."

"With the full support of our Gaza team, we have determined that the circumstances have changed sufficiently to resume our vital humanitarian work in Gaza," Carroll said. 

Anera on Thursday resumed "full operations in Gaza to deliver meals, food parcels, hygiene kits, tents, medical treatments, and more to families in dire need," according to the statement.

Iran says its imperative to punish Israel could have been avoided had UN Security Council condemned attack

From CNN’s Natalie Barr and Adam Pourahmadi

The imperative for Tehran to "punish" Israel for the deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week might have been avoided if the attack had been condemned at the United Nations, Iran’s Mission to the UN said Thursday.

“Had the UN Security Council condemned the Zionist regime’s reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated," the  mission said on X.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack on April 1, according to a statement from the UN spokesperson Stephan Dujarric. A Security Council discussion was held on April 2 to discuss the attack, but differences among members prevented any formal action or condemnation from taking place.

The United States is on high alert and actively preparing for a “significant” attack by Iran targeting Israeli or American assets in the region  in response to the strike in Damascus  that killed top Iranian commanders.

UK foreign secretary warns Iran not to draw Middle East into wider conflict

From CNN's Natalie Barr

Britain's foreign secretary warned his Iranian counterpart on Thursday that Tehran “must not draw” the Middle East into a wider conflict following a series of escalating threats made by Iran toward Israel.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron told Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian that the United Kingdom was "deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence. Iran should instead work to de-escalate and prevent further attacks," according to a post on X .

Iran's state-aligned Tasnim news agency on Thursday reported that Amir-Abdollahian had told Cameron that the silence from the UK and the United States following Israel’s attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week only served to encourage Israel to continue waging war in Gaza and expand its conflict in the region.

US and Israeli defense leaders discuss fears of Iranian attack

From CNN’s Michael Conte in Washington, DC, Tamar Michaelis in Jerusalem and Larry Register in Atlanta

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant today to “reaffirm the US ironclad commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies,” according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

The call comes a day after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel " must be punished and it will be" following a strike on an Iranian embassy compound in Syria that killed seven Iranian officials.

Israel “will not tolerate an Iranian attack on its territory,” the statement read, adding that the two defense leaders also discussed detailed preparations “for an Iranian attack against the State of Israel.”

Gallant said an Iranian attack on Israel could lead to a regional escalation.

It is the second discussion held between Gallant and Austin over the past week, according to the statement. Gallant expressed his appreciation for Austin’s personal commitment to the security of the State of Israel and for the deepening cooperation between the defense establishments of both countries, as well as between the Israel Defense Forces and US CENTCOM.

State Department restricts personnel travel in Israel amid concerns over Iranian threats

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

The US State Department has restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel in the wake of public threats against Israel by Iran.

“Out of an abundance of caution, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice,” a  security alert  posted by the US Embassy Thursday said. “U.S. government personnel are authorized to transit between these three areas for personal travel.” “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events,” the alert noted.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said he would not “speak to the specific assessments that led to us to restrict our employees and family members’ personal travel, but clearly we are monitoring the threat environment in the Middle East and specifically in Israel.”

“We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days,” Miller said. “Israel is in a very tough neighborhood and we have been monitoring the security situation. You saw us slightly adjust for travel warnings at the beginning of this conflict and we conduct ongoing assessments all the time about the situation on the ground.”

US officials are on high alert for a potential retaliatory strike by Iran or its proxies against Israel.

Hamas says ceasefire with Israel is essential to collect data on hostages held in Gaza by different groups

From CNN's Abeer Salman and Mohammed Tawfeeq

A member of Hamas' political bureau said   a prisoner-hostage exchange is being discussed as part of larger ceasefire negotiations.

"Part of negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data" on the hostages held in Gaza Basem Naim said in a statement on Thursday. "Because they (hostages) are in different palaces, (being held) by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipment for this purpose," he added.

Naim's statement was in response to questions from media outlets about whether Hamas has been rejecting the latest proposal, which was made in Cairo over the weekend, because it can not release 40 hostages in the first phase of a three-stage ceasefire deal.

According to an Israeli official and a source familiar with the discussions, Hamas indicated it is currently unable to identify and track down those 40 Israeli hostages, raising fears that more hostages may be dead than are publicly known. 

CNN's record of the conditions of the hostages also suggests there are fewer than 40 living hostages who meet the proposed criteria.

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