rhodes travel situation

Rhodes wildfire forces thousands of evacuations, tourists flee

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• Greece moves 19,000 people to safety, some by boat
• Tourists flee hotels, gather on beaches
• "We went from paradise to hell," tourist says
• Operators cancel flights to Rhodes
• Climate change exacerbates heat waves

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Reporting by Fedja Gruolvic in Rhodes, Renee Maltezou and Angeliki Koutantou in Athens; Additional reporting by Elizabeth Piper and Hollie Adams in London, Christoph Steitz in Frankfurt, Andi Kranz in Cologne, Mathieu Rosemain in Paris and Justyna Pawkak in Warsaw; Writing by Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by Barbara Lewis, Frances Kerry and Chris Reese

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The fires in Rhodes have spared tourism, but not the island's nature

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Feature The Greek island saw 15% of its land burn between July 18 and 28. While resorts are preparing to reopen, locals feel they have been abandoned – as has the island's nature.

Even during their worst tantrums, the Greek gods never triggered an eruption on Rhodes. Unlike its cousin Santorini, the Aegean island is not volcanic. However, the desolate landscape left behind by 10 days of fire between July 18 and 28 is reminiscent of an immense lava flow that swept down the mountain into the sea. The major fire caused no human casualties but ravaged almost 18,000 hectares of forest and vegetation (around 15% of the island's surface area), burnt 50,000 olive trees, trapped thousands of animals including 2,500 domestic animals, destroyed or damaged around 50 buildings and led to the mass evacuation of 20,000 tourists in the southeast of the island.

Not everyone left. On a burnt-out beach at the entrance to the seaside resort of Kiotari, a Norwegian couple sat in small armchairs by the water, their backs to the emerald sea, facing the scorching sun and with cans in hand. The parasol was mainly used to keep Mythos, the local beer, cool in the cooler. "It's very sad, it was paradise here last week," said Monica Stenberg, crimson from head to toe but loyal to Rhodes for 30 years. In her swimsuit amid the rubble, her partner Johansen showed a friend the extent of the damage on a video call.

The vegetation lining the cove was charred. Showers, duckboards, parasols and beach mattresses were consumed by the flames. The chic beach bar (350 covers) with its arbor and large wooden terrace became a pile of rubble. Two employees went to inspect what could be salvaged. The verdict: "Nothing." On the phone, the owner, who goes by Manolis so as not to give his name, railed against the "incompetence" of the authorities and the firemen who "didn't even try" to save his bar. He does not know if he will rebuild. He had opened it two months ago but did not have all of the permits he needed.

When the fire truck rushed by, Dimitris Chatzifotis got onto the road and shouted to get their attention. The vehicle did not stop, and his restaurant burned down. The Angelaki Taverna was an institution in the region: For 32 years, people had been going there to enjoy the famous dish of oven-braised goat cheese accompanied by a sauce made with tomatoes from the garden. The vegetable garden was littered with the corpses of hens. Chatzifotis' mother used to raise around 60 of them to prepare creamy omelets for her customers. They all perished. Of the nine rabbits ("for the children, not to eat," said Chatzifotis), only Arapis, black as the trunks of the charred fig trees, survived. Today, he was eating leftover watermelon.

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Simon Calder Greece travel advice: Latest flight information as wildfires continue to ravage Rhodes and Corfu

Ninety per cent of rhodes ‘safe and functioning’ but state of play uncertain looking ahead to august, our correspondent warns, article bookmarked.

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Southern Europe has found itself on the frontline of the climate crisis this summer, with the onset of an extreme heatwave bringing dangerously high temperatures to Italy and Spain and now raging wildfires to the hills of Greece .

The Greek islands have been a favourite destination for British holidaymakers for decades but this month has seen out-of-control blazes spark “the biggest evacuation” in its history from Rhodes while Crete , Corfu , Evia and Zante have also suffered devastating infernos.

Here’s what The Independent ’s travel correspondent Simon Calder has had to say about the evolving situation so far.

Which flights are going and which have been cancelled?

UK airlines are continuing to sell flights for immediate departure from the UK to Rhodes despite the wildfires that have seen thousands of tourists evacuated from the island.

The UK’s two biggest tour operators, Jet2 and Tui, have cancelled all flights and holidays to Rhodes for several days ahead. They are offering refunds because of the fires, which have been raging on the Greek island for six days.

But other airlines are continuing to offer seats on flights to Rhodes and the travel firm Thomas Cook says most of its customers booked to travel on Sunday and Monday were travelling as normal.

From London Gatwick, easyJet has five flights to Rhodes on sale on Tuesday. But for those who no longer wish to travel, the airline is allowing free changes for passengers booked up to Saturday 29 July.

Three easyJet aircraft are also flying out empty to pick up UK holidaymakers wanting to come home early.

Ryanair says its operations to and from Rhodes are normal and that usual conditions apply.

Jet2 and Tui are dispatching aircraft with no passengers from UK airports to Rhodes to pick up holidaymakers. Both have dispatched teams to help customers.

Is Rhodes airport itself under threat from the wildfires?

Rhodes airport is on the northwestern shore of the Greek island, close to the capital, Rhodes Town. With no imminent danger in that area, airlines are entitled to operate a “business as usual” policy, with normal terms applying.

But most are expected to provide some options to customers, with package holidaymakers benefiting from extra protection.

It comes after holidaymakers were forced to flee resorts on Saturday, with some British tourists describing “terrifying” scenes of turmoil as power cuts caused “chaos” on the island. In previous days the wildfire was confined to the island’s mountainous centre, but aided by winds, very high temperatures and dry conditions, it spread on Saturday towards the coast on the island’s central-eastern side.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises travellers to contact their airline or travel operator. For 24/7 British consular assistance, UK citizens abroad can call +44 20 7008 5000.

The FCDO has also sent a Rapid Deployment Team to Rhodes to support British nationals and the Greek Foreign Affairs ministry has set up a help desk at Rhodes airport.

I am in Rhodes and want to leave as soon as possible. What are my options?

Many tourists are in that position. Jet2 and easyJet are operating special repatriation flights in addition to the normal schedule. The general principle is that

British Airways says passengers booked to fly from Rhodes to London can switch to earlier flights without penalty – though little space may be available. The earliest BA departure with space available is on Wednesday evening.

Other carriers may adopt a similar policy. But availability is scarce, with no seats on easyJet flights to the London area until late on Tuesday evening, and not before Wednesday to Manchester.

Most airlines are operating their normal schedules and are likely to continue to do so from Rhodes – though more outbound flights may be empty, as Jet2 and Tui are doing.

Flights are full. Are there any other ways out from the island?

Yes. Dodekanisos Seaways sails once or twice a day from Rhodes Town to Kos, where there are fairly frequent flights to the UK. The 8am sailing is usually the fastest and most reliable, taking around 2 hours and 30 minutes. A taxi will take you from the port to the airport in about 30 minutes, with much cheaper but slower buses available.

Flights on Tuesday 25 July include a Ryanair departure to London Stansted, which is currently selling at just £37.

The ferry voyage to Marmaris in Turkey is shorter, at around one hour, but the closest airport, Dalaman, is a long way from the town – making for a 90-minute taxi journey or two hours in a bus. In addition the frontier formalities leaving Greece and arriving in Turkey will take time.

I lost my travel documents in the scramble to leave the area. Can I leave the island?

Yes. To help tourists who were evacuated from their accommodation in a hurry and left their passports behind, the Greek authorities are issuing emergency and temporary identification to allow them to board their flights.

If I am brought home early, will I get some or all of my money back?

People who are anxious about being on the island but whose holidays have not been directly affected are unlikely to be offered any recompense for the lost holiday times.

Package holidaymakers whose trips are curtailed because their accommodation cannot be used are due a partial refund under the Package Travel Regulations. But it may not be as much as the traveller might expect.

If a two-week holiday that costs £1,000 per person ends a week early, the refund will not simply be half the cost of the trip. The holiday company is entitled to subtract the value of the flights, which might be £400 – meaning only half of the remainder will be refunded, ie £300.

If you make the decision to return ahead of schedule, no compensation is due. Travel insurance may help with extra costs if you can demonstrate you spent them reasonably.

What help is available when I return to UK airports?

National Express, which runs coach services from Britain’s top airports, is offering free travel for holidaymakers repatriated from Rhodes to a different airport than they flew out from. They can go back to their original airport or to a different location of their choice within the UK. They need to supply proof of their original flight and airport, and the boarding pass of the flight they have taken.

“We’ve all seen the horrifying experiences people have had in the Greek wildfires on the news. This is the least we can do to help them get back home,” said Chris Hardy, managing director of National Express Coach.

Passengers with existing bookings who arrive back on a different day will be able to change without fuss.

I am booked to travel imminently to Rhodes. Can I cancel for a refund?

If the travel firm or airline cancels your trip you can expect a full refund within two weeks. If the flight is going ahead, then your rights depend on whether you are on a proper package holiday or have booked flights and accommodation separately.

Under the Package Travel Regulations, holidaymakers can cancel for a refund “if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occur at the place of destination or its immediate vicinity which significantly affect the performance of the package or the carriage of passengers to the destination”.

In the case of key parts of Rhodes, this looks like reasonable grounds to cancel.

You can read up on the companies’ policies for imminent departures as of 4pm on Monday here .

I am booked to travel to Rhodes in August. Can I cancel?

Not at this stage. Depending on events over the next few days, travel firms will make decisions on their plans for the peak summer month.

The travel industry appears to be preparing the ground for a restart in tourism to some of the unaffected areas of Rhodes. A spokesperson for Abta, the travel association, said: “We understand that some of the resorts have had their evacuation order removed by the Greek authorities and people have been advised that they can return to the resorts of Lindos, Pefkos and Kalathos.

“Travel companies will be liaising with their accommodation providers to ensure that they are ready to receive customers and customers will be notified accordingly.”

Will Rhodes be put on a ‘no go’ list?

Calls are growing for fire-hit Rhodes to be placed on the Foreign Office “no go” list. That would compel travel firms to cancel all holidays for an indeterminate length of time – allowing families having second thoughts about going to a destination hit by such a calamity to get a full refund.

But as Simon Calder explained on his daily travel podcast , it is not as simple as that.

“Ninety per cent of the island appears to be safe and functioning. Jet2 and Tui, by far the biggest holiday companies, are already operating a de facto ‘no-go’ policy between now and Sunday 30 July,” he told the show this week.

“It is too early to know the extent to which August holidays will be affected, but decisions will be made in the next few days.

“If travel firms can offer safe and enjoyable holidays in Rhodes, I can see no reason to warn off holidaymakers.”

Would you go to Rhodes?

I sympathise with everyone who is feeling apprehensive about travelling to an island that, in places, is nothing short of a disaster area. Even though distressed and exhausted holidaymakers are still trying to return from Rhodes, some tourists have been proceeding with their trips as booked in the past few days.

But I would not travel there immediately: with people still trying to get out and the infrastructure under pressure, it would be unhelpful.

Looking ahead a few days, though, I believe the picture will change significantly. By tomorrow I believe the vast majority of people who understandably want to come home will have done so: large amounts of air capacity are going in as repatriation flights. Pressure on the resources will ease. And the damage to the resorts on the south east shore of Rhodes will be clear.

For people who are booked to the affected area, it may be that you are offered a choice between moving to a different location or a full refund. But getting all your money back is likely to be offered only if the travel firm deems it impossible for you to have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

The people of Rhodes have shown outstanding kindness and courage towards overseas tourists. In most parts of the island – and 90 per cent is unaffected – they will want to get back to work delivering great experiences for visiting holidaymakers. And, in a week or two, I would be glad to go there and meet them.

What is happening in Corfu?

A wildfire, which some reports say was started deliberately, has led to evacuations of some villages and a few hotels in the north east of the Ionian island.

A Tui spokesperson said on Monday: “We’ve been working with the local authorities in Corfu following the outbreak of a wildfire in the north east of the island last night resulting in guests being evacuated from a small number of hotels.

“As a precautionary measure we also stopped new arrivals into the affected hotels for Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 July. The situation is now fully under control and guests are returning to their hotels to continue their holidays as planned.”

The Abta spokesperson said: “The situation in Corfu is quite different to the situation in Rhodes. The wildfire on the north east of the island of Corfu is on a much smaller scale and is affecting significantly fewer holidaymakers.

“Some of the resorts were evacuated as a precautionary measure and we understand that those who were initially evacuated have mostly been able to return to their resorts and their accommodation.

“Corfu is a very large island. Hotels and resorts are open and providing holiday services. The majority of people travelling to or currently on holiday in Corfu should be able to continue their holidays as planned.

“Customers in Corfu and those due to travel there imminently are advised to continue to monitor the situation and follow any advice issued by the local authorities or their travel company.”

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Can I travel to Rhodes? Latest Foreign Office advice for Greece and what to do if your holiday is cancelled

The uk government is not advising people against travelling to rhodes, despite the fires.

Wildfires continued to burn across Greece on Monday, with the islands of Rhodes and Corfu – both popular tourist spots – worst affected.

Fires burning since Wednesday forced 19,000 people to be evacuated from homes and tourist accommodation on Rhodes over the weekend, as a blaze reached resorts on the island’s south-eastern coast.

British tourists camped out overnight in schools and sports halls, as well as the island’s airport, after being forced to leave hotels that became engulfed by the wildfires .

Foreign Office minister, Andrew Mitchell, said his “best estimate” of the number of British tourists on Rhodes currently is “between 7,000 and 10,000”.

Tour operators Jet2, Tui and Corendon cancelled flights leaving for Rhodes. easyJet said on Sunday it was operating two repatriation flights on Monday from Rhodes to London’s Gatwick, in addition to the nine flights that are already planned. The airline said it will add another repatriation flight on Tuesday.

“We are in the seventh day of the fire and it hasn’t been controlled,” Rhodes’ deputy mayor, Konstantinos Taraslias, told state broadcaster ERT.

Is it safe to travel to Rhodes?

The UK Government is not advising people against travelling to Rhodes, despite the fires.

Mr Mitchell said: “It’s important to remember that only 10 per cent of the island is affected by these fires. And therefore it is the tourist companies and the holiday experts who are best placed to give guidance on whether or not a family or individuals’ holidays are going to be ruined by these events.

“What we’re telling people to do is to keep in touch with their tourist company, and that is the right advice.”

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: “We are actively monitoring the fires in Rhodes and are in close contact with local authorities.

“The FCDO has deployed a rapid deployment team of five FCDO staff and four British Red Cross responders to Rhodes to support British nationals whose safety is our top priority. They will be based at Rhodes international airport to assist with travel documents and liaise with Greek authorities and travel operators on the ground.

“British nationals in Rhodes should contact their travel operator in the first instance for any queries regarding the rescheduling of flights and continue to check our updated travel advice for information.”

Greece is often hit by wildfires during the summer months but climate change has led to more extreme heatwaves across southern Europe .

Temperatures over the past week have exceeded 40ºC in many parts of the country and are forecast to persist in the coming days.

What should I do if my holiday is cancelled?

On Sunday, Tui suspended its flights to Rhodes until Tuesday, while Jet2 Holidays cancelled its trips until next Sunday.

Airlines including easyJet, Ryanair and British Airways are continuing to operate flights.

A spokesperson for easyJet said it was doing “all it can” to help customers in Rhodes and invited those due to travel to or from the island until Saturday to change the date for free.

Greece's little-known lagoon town that attracted the original travel influencer

British Airways said it would “continue to carefully monitor the situation” and was in touch with customers in affected areas to provide assistance.

Thomas Cook has cancelled all holidays to Kiotari and Lardos – the areas of Rhodes most at risk – up to and including 31 July.

If your flight or holiday is cancelled by the operator you should be entitled to a full refund.

However, unless you are advised to cancel your holiday by the Foreign Office, there is no guarantee you will get your money back if you choose not to travel and the trip is not cancelled by the operator.

Helen Tonks, a mother of six from Cheshire, said she was flown into a “living nightmare” by Tui at 11pm on Saturday and discovered her hotel had been closed.

She said she and her family were “abandoned” and forced to sleep with hundreds of others on a school floor.

A Tui spokesperson said the firm’s “main priority” was the safety of customers and its staff were doing “all they can” to help those affected by the fires.

Where are the wildfires on Rhodes?

The two largest wildfires are near the villages of Eleousa and Laerma, both of which are towards the centre of the island.

At least three hotels in the seaside village of Kiotari on the south coast have been affected, as have the popular resorts of Kalathos and Pefki.

One British tourist, Ian Wakefield, told Times Radio he spent the night in a school playground in Faliraki after being moved from his hotel in Pefki.

“It didn’t really feel real – being in imminent danger of being burned to death,” he said. “Between midnight and around 5am we were going through an evacuation which was pretty chaotic.

“There were a lot of upset people and children who were understandably quite hysterical. It was all very confusing – the instructions from the hotel manager were unclear.

“You had to make your own choice in the end. I’ve had to leave quite a lot of luggage in the hotel.”

Another British tourist, Kevin Evans, was evacuated twice with his wife and three young children, including a six-month old baby, on Saturday as the fire rapidly spread.

“We were originally in Kiotari in a villa but were moved to Gennadi at about 2pm,” he said.

“There were lots of people in Gennadi sent from the hotels – many in just swimsuits having been told to leave everything in the hotel.

“As night fell, we could see the fire on the top of the hills in Kiotari. They said all the hotels were on fire.

“About midnight the fire started moving on to our side of the hill. The alerts were going off again but not to everyone at once with some people telling us to stay put and others receiving messages to evacuate.

“We left at midnight with the fire very big and close.”

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Rhodes wildfires: Exhausted tourists pictured at airport after fleeing blaze - 'Living nightmare'

Dramatic pictures from the airport at Rhodes show tourists trying to escape the island.

The first flights are due to arrive on the Greek island to bring back British tourists stranded after being evacuated by wildfires.

Airline easyJet is operating two rescue flights that will have 421 seats on Monday and a third on Tuesday, in an effort to get holidaymakers off the Greek island, while holiday firm Jet2 is also sending empty aircraft to bring back tourists.

It comes after large swathes of the island of Corfu, also popular with British tourists, were also evacuated after fires there on Sunday .

On Monday, foreign office junior minister Andrew Mitchell said there were an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 British tourists on Rhodes .

People evacuated from hotels over the weekend have been sleeping at the airport, in sports halls, conference centres and even on the street.

And as they have fled, testimonies from their time on the island have started to emerge

'Living nightmare'

There have been a number of eyewitness accounts from British tourists caught in Rhodes about the "nightmare" situation.

Dan Jones, a sports teacher from Torquay, Devon, had to climb on to a fishing trawler with his sons on Saturday night, describing it as “the scariest moment” in his life, and adding: “What brave boys.”

His family was forced to wade through the water on to a fishing boat in order to escape.

In a series of updates on social media, he said people had walked for miles through the blistering heat to reach the hotel where his family was staying.

Jones posted a video of smoke-filled skies and giant flames about six miles in the distance, telling holiday provider Tui that "we need some communication".

About three hours later, he shared a picture of his three smiling boys on a boat – with raging fires lighting up the night sky in the background.

Watch: Resorts evacuated as wildfires rage on Rhodes

"We are safe for now. The scariest moment in my entire life. After wading into the sea and climbing on a fishing trawler, we are away from danger," he said.

"I don't know how they'll process this when the dust settles, but what brave boys. Family is everything."

Helen Tonks, a mother-of-six from Cheshire, said she was flown into a “living nightmare” by Tui at 11pm on Saturday only to discover her hotel had been closed.

She said she and her family were “abandoned” and forced to sleep with hundreds of others on a school floor.

Tonks described the decision by airlines to continue their usual service as “inexcusable and negligent – (putting) profit before safety”.

"Why fly us from the UK into Rhodes and living nightmare at 2300 last night, knowing we weren’t safe and our hotel was closed?” she asked Tui.

“Five of us among 100s more slept on a school floor. Locals doing everything, but no sight or sound from you.”

Kevin Evans was evacuated twice with his wife and three young children, including a six-month old baby, on Saturday as the fire rapidly spread.

“We were originally in Kiotari in a villa but were moved to Gennadi at about 2pm," he said.

“There were lots of people in Gennadi sent from the hotels – many in just swimsuits having been told to leave everything in the hotel.

“As night fell, we could see the fire on the top of the hills in Kiotari. They said all the hotels were on fire."

Ian Wakefield told Times Radio he spent the night in a school playground in Faliraki after being moved from his hotel in Pefki.

He said: “It didn’t really feel real – being in imminent danger of being burned to death.

“Between midnight and around 5am this morning we were going through an evacuation which was pretty chaotic.

“There were a lot of upset people and children who were understandably quite hysterical."

A Tui spokeswoman said the firm’s “main priority” was the safety of customers and its staff were doing “all they can” to help those affected by the fires.

Read more eyewitness accounts:

British father recalls 'scariest moment in my life' (Yahoo News UK, 5 mins)

Holidaymakers sleeping on school floors after being evacuated from Rhodes hotels (The Scotsman, 3 mins)

Holidays and flights to Greek island ravaged by fire cancelled (PA Media, 3 mins)

Contact numbers for those trapped in Greece

The Foreign Office said British tourists affected by wildfires should call the Greek emergency services on 112 if they are in "immediate danger".

It also said the Greek government has set up a crisis management unit to respond to the situation in Rhodes, which can be reached on +30 210 368 1730 / +30 210 3681259 / +30 210 3681350.

The Foreign Office said: "In the first instance, please contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK.

"If you are planning to travel to any areas affected by wildfires, please check with your travel operator or hotel prior to travel that the area you plan to visit."

British consular assistance is available on +44 20 7008 5000 for 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

easyJet is sending two repatriation flights to Rhodes on Monday and one on Tuesday, alongside nine flights still operating between Rhodes and the UK.

Flights are still operating for customers booked to travel to or from Rhodes before 29 July, but customers can change the date of their flight or request a flight voucher.

Any customers wishing to travel back early can contact easyJet’s customer services team on its dedicated line for customers in Rhodes - 44 (0) 330 5515147.

Jet2 has cancelled all flights and holidays due to depart to Rhodes up to and including 30 July.

Aircraft will be flown to Rhodes with no customers onboard, so they can bring customers on the island back to the UK.

The company said it would be contacting customers to arrange refunds or rebookings.

If calling from the UK about an existing booking, you can contact Jet2 on 0333 300 0042, if calling from another country it's +44 (0) 203 059 8336.

On Monday, travel operator Tui confirmed that holidaymakers returned to the UK on “three dedicated flights” overnight, with plans to bring more back “as soon as possible” in place.

Tui has cancelled all flights and holidays to Rhodes up to and including Tuesday 25 July, with passengers receiving full refunds.

Those due to travel on Wednesday 26 July can amend to another holiday or cancel free of charge.

To contact Tui while away, call +4420 38 303 111 or text 80247.

Thomas Cook

Thomas Cook cancelled all holidays to Kiotari and Lardos – the areas of Rhodes most at risk – up to and including 31 July, and said it would be in touch to offer full refunds.

Those on holiday can WhatsApp Thomas Cook on +447360543297 or call the support team on +44 (0) 20 8016 3297.

British Airways

British Airways said it was still operating flights to Rhodes as normal.

However, customers on the island needing to come home early can change their return flight free of charge, and anyone travelling out from the UK in the next week can postpone their flight to a later date.

They can contact BA's 24-hour helpline on +44 208 707 4463 or email [email protected] or text +44 786 002 2933 while they're away.

Watch: Government says tour operators are engaged in Rhodes evacuation

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Rhodes Covid-19 Travel Advice: What you need to know for tourism in Rhodes and Greece

PCR Testing information and key measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Rhodes and Greece

Please note that all of the measures are subject to change. This article will be changing as necessary, however measures not listed here may be implemented if this is deemed necessary.

Last update: March 19, 2022

Covid-19 PCR testing on Rhodes

If you need to be tested for Covid-19 by PCR test while you are on Rhodes, you may contact one of the following medical facilities. Please note that we rely on information provided on their website for this listing, and we cannot guarantee that a test can be provided at the time you may require it. We therefore strongly encourage you to contact the facilities before your trip to Rhodes to confirm availability for Covid-19 PCR testing.

• Euromedica Rhodes - for more information call +30 22410 45000 or send an email to [email protected]
• AquaPhysio Rhodes (information only in Greek, please use a translation tool such as Google Translate). For more information call +30 22410 60282, +30 22440 42050, +30 697833 6627 or send an email to [email protected]
• Rhodes Medical Care For more information call +30 22410 38008, +30 22410 30020 or send an email to [email protected]

Important note: The following information is no longer being updated and should be considered obsolete. If you would like more information about covid restrictions on Rhodes, please visit the official Greek Government website - https://travel.gov.gr/

Arriving to Greece and Rhodes

a) Vaccination certificate (for those who have completed vaccination for COVID-19 at least fourteen (14) days before arrival) valid for 9 months after the completion of the basic vaccination and without time limit for travellers who have received the booster dose, or b) Certificate of recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection issued 14 days after the day of the first positive COVID-19 test (PCR or Rapid Antigen test) and valid for 180 days thereafter, or c) Certificate of negative test result, namely, negative molecular test result (PCR) performed up to 72 hours before the scheduled arrival or negative Rapid Antigen test result performed up to 24 hours before the scheduled arrival.

B. Travellers arriving from Australia, Canada and the United States of America are permitted to enter Greece under the condition that they display one of the following: a) Vaccination certificate (for those who have completed vaccination for COVID-19 at least fourteen (14) days before arrival) valid for 9 months after the completion of the basic vaccination and without time limit for travellers who have received the booster dose. The vaccination certificate must include the full name of the traveller as registered in the passport, the type of vaccine given, the number of doses and inoculation dates, or b) Proof of recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection, issued 14 days after the day of the first positive COVID-19 test (PCR or Rapid Antigen test) and valid for 180 days thereafter, or c) Negative molecular test for COVID-19 (PCR) performed up to 72 hours before the scheduled arrival, or negative Rapid Antigen test performed up to 24 hours before the scheduled arrival. C. Travellers arriving in Greece from ALL other countries, regardless of their vaccination status or proof of recovery, are required to display a negative molecular test result (PCR) for Covid-19 performed up to 72 hours before the scheduled arrival or a negative Rapid Antigen test result for Covid-19 performed up to 24 hours before the scheduled arrival. The tests for Covid 19 (PRC or Rapid) must originate either by a public authority in accordance with the relevant legislation or from reference laboratories of the country of origin or transit, public or private, provided that these private laboratories have been certified by the competent national certification authority of the country. The test result must be in English language and must include the full name of the passenger as registered in the passport. The above obligations are mandatory for all travellers entering the country, including children over 5 years old. Acceptable vaccines are of: Pfizer BioNtech, Moderna, Astra Zeneca / Oxford, Novavax, Johnson & Johnson / Janssen, Sinovac Biotech, Gamaleya (Sputnik), Cansino Biologics, Sinopharm among others. All travellers arriving in Greece, regardless of the certificate in their possession, may be subject to random obligatory molecular test (PCR) or Rapid Antigen Test for COVID-19. If you are selected, please note that testing is mandatory. In case of refusal, the authorities reserve the right to refuse entry into the country. The selection is made through a system of targeted sampling with the application of a health algorithm for the best epidemiological observation and shielding of the country, used since summer of 2020. Citizens of third countries are strongly advised to choose direct flights to Greece. In any other case, travellers must comply with the requirements of the transit country. Passengers are allowed to enter the country through all international airports and all ports under the above conditions. According to the above, travellers are also allowed to enter from land borders, through the entrance gates of Promachonas, Ormenios, Evzoni, Nymfaia, Exochis, Nikis, Doirani, Krystallopigi, Kipi, Kakavia, Kastania and Mavromatiou, on a 24h basis. Through the Mertziani Entrance Gate entrance is allowed from 8.00 to 20.00. Cruising and yachting is allowed. The entry of yachts in Greece, regardless of flag, coming from Turkey is only allowed into ports of Kavala, Mytilene, Chios, Vathy and Pythagoras of Samos, Myrina of Lemnos, Symi, Skala of Patmos, as well as the tourist ports of Kos and Rhodes.  

REQUIREMENTS FOR VISITORS

Before arrival: Passenger Locator Form (PLF) requirement is no more mandatory from March 15, 2022. However, a simplified PLF remains in operation, the completion of which is OPTIONAL, for the sole purpose of enabling the traveller / family to issue an EU Certificate of negative or positive COVID-19 test result. For more information, please click here . Prior to departure, all travellers older than 5 years old must ensure that they carry an acceptable form of certification of their health condition, as stated above. Upon arrival:

All travellers are subject to random obligatory Covid-19 tests upon arrival. If found positive, a five (5) day quarantine under supervision is required either at home or at a designated temporary residence assigned by the appropriate authorities. The quarantine period starts the next day of their positive diagnosis. Following the five (5) day period and if the symptoms have receded and the travellers are feverless for 24 hours without the use of antipyretics, they are released from quarantine. If the fever insists, the travellers remain in isolation until the fever has fully receded. The above travellers must wear high protection breathing mask (FFP2 or N95) or a combination of two masks for at least 5 days after their release from isolation. Compliance with the health protocols during transport and throughout your entire stay in Greece is the key factor that will allow all of us to stay safe and return to normality. We appreciate your understanding and apologize in advance for any additional inconvenience. We extend a warm thank you for the cooperation and for choosing our country for your holidays. We look forward to welcoming you to Greece.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. how can one travel to greece.

Greece welcomes visitors applying advanced health protection protocols. Greek Tourism operates with the maximum safety possible, for tourists, employees and every person involved in the provision of tourist services. Entry into Greece is allowed under the following conditions: From 15 March 2022 onwards, travellers visiting Greece are no longer required to fill out the Passenger Locator Form (PLF). However, a simplified PLF remains in operation, the completion of which is OPTIONAL, for the sole purpose of enabling the traveller / family to issue an EU Certificate of negative or positive COVID-19 test result. A. Travellers coming from EU member states and Schengen countries, as well as from the 35 non-EU countries that have joined the EU Digital Covid Certificate system, must hold an EU Digital COVID Certificate. B. Travellers coming from Australia, Canada and the United States of America must display one of the following: a) Vaccination certificate (for those who have completed vaccination for COVID-19 at least fourteen (14) days before arrival) valid for 9 months after the completion of the basic vaccination and without time limit for travellers who have received the booster dose, or b) Proof of recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection, issued 14 days after the day of the first positive COVID-19 test (PCR or Rapid Antigen test) and valid for 180 days thereafter, or c) Negative molecular test for COVID-19 (PCR) performed up to 72 hours before arrival, or negative Rapid Antigen test performed up to 24 hours before arrival. C. Travellers from ALL other countries must show either a negative PCR test performed up to 72 hours prior to arrival or a negative (rapid) antigen test performed up to 24 hours prior to arrival, issued by a certified diagnostic center in the English language. Upon entering Greece, visitors may undergo targeted COVID-19 tests. In the event of a positive result, travellers will be temporarily accommodated in an isolation hotel, free of charge. If a positive incident is detected following a sampling test at the land borders, then entry into the country may not be allowed.

2. What are the health protocols for the people working in the tourism sector?

Employees in the Greek tourism sector are being vaccinated with the general population, according to government planning. Until they are vaccinated, all employees are required to undergo COVID-19 tests at the frequency set by the current Joint Ministerial Decision, as in force. In addition, they are encouraged to test even more frequently to ensure timely isolation.

3. Which vaccines are acceptable for the vaccination certificate?

Acceptable vaccines are among others:

• Pfizer BioNtech mRNA / Comirnaty
• Moderna mRNA / Spikevax
• Astra Zeneca/Oxford ChAdOx1 nCoV (AZD1222) / Vaxzevria
• Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Ad26
• Sinavac/Coronavac
• Gamaleya (Sputnik) Ad26/Ad5, Gam-COVID-Vac, Sputnik vaccine
• Cansiνo Biologics AD5-nCOV, trade-named Convidencia
• Covishield ChAdOx1 nCoV
• BBV152 COVAXIN Bharat Biotech, India Whole virion inactivated

4. What applies to international flights?

As of 14.05.2021, flight restrictions from EU countries have been lifted and no mandatory quarantine is required. In addition, our country welcomes flights to all international airports.

5. What applies to land travel?

It is allowed to enter Greece through the aforementioned land borders on a 24h basis. Through the Mertziani Gate entrance is allowed from 8.00 to 20.00.

6. What about ferry connections?

As of 14.05.2021, the quarantine is lifted for passengers who arrive by ferry through all the port entrances. For maritime connections with Turkey please refer to the conditions mentioned above.

7. What will apply to guests during their stay?

During their stay in Greece, foreign visitors must follow all measures that apply to Greek citizens. In particular, access to indoor areas of restaurants, leisure and sports facilities is allowed only after showing a vaccination certificate valid for 7 months after the completion of the basic vaccination and without time limit for those who have received the booster dose.

8. Are there business activity health protocols in force?

The Greek Ministry of Tourism has released specific Health Protocols against COVID-19 to be applied by all Greek tourism enterprises for their safe operation in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and has introduced the National “Health First” certification seal for tourist accommodation establishments that comply with the relevant requirements. Health Protocols apply to all Greek tourism enterprises that wish to continue operation during the pandemic and aim to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission to employees and customers.

9. Are there quarantine hotels?

Specific isolation (quarantine) hotels operate near each entrance gate, as well as in other strategic points nationwide. This way, an adequate safety net for case management is in place, combined with an early detection upon the arrival of tourists from abroad. The cost for the isolation hotels is covered by the Greek state.

10. Can I quarantine at my hotel if I am diagnosed with COVID-19?

Visitors who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 upon arrival can isolate at their booked hotel, only in the case the hotel is a 4* and 5* and provides the service of quarantine rooms as specified by the competent Health Authorities. According to legislation, the visitor upon arrival can request from the Civil Protection authorities to contact her/his booked hotel regarding the availability of such service.

11. Is the departure and arrival of private yachts allowed and from which countries?

The departure and arrival of yachts is allowed with strict protocols, while the same terms and conditions will apply to both Greeks and foreign citizens.

12. What is the situation with cruise ships?

As of 14.05.2021, cruise restrictions have been completely removed, always imposing very strict protocols that apply to these activities.

13. What if the visitor's country requires a test for his / her return?

It is possible to perform PCR or rapid antigen tests directly at the place where each guest stays if the guest needs a test for returning home. This makes it easier for every tourist to be consistent with his/her obligations in order to safely return to his/her country.

15. Will I need to wear a mask on the Beach in Rhodes?

• Beach umbrellas and sun loungers must be placed at least four meters apart
• Beach umbrellas and sun loungers must also undergo regular disinfection
• Staff must wear face masks at all times in public, and undergo COVID-19 testing before working
• Music is not allowed to be played at a high volume
• Beach-goers are not required to wear a face mask while swimming or sunbathing.

Would you like to know more about driving on Rhodes? Read everyting you need to know about driving on one of the largest islands in Greece   and all you need to know about hiring a car on Rhodes .

EXTERNAL RESOURCES REGARDING COVID-19 SITUATION IN GREECE

• The official Travel Information Website from the Greek Government - https://travel.gov.gr/
• US EMBASSY IN GREECE - Covid-19-information
• DISCOVERGREECE.COM - Updates on COVID-19

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· Complete travel & information guide about Rhodes (Rhodos) island in Greece ·

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Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

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If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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Welcome to Rhodes

Welcome to Rhodes, the capital of the Dodecanese, an island which is ideal not only for those who want to relax but also for those looking for an action – packed holiday! With its bright green hills, rich green valleys and uninterrupted line of golden beaches, Rhodes is truly a blessed place. Add in the excellent facilities for tourism, the island’s special blend of cosmopolitan, traditional,  numerous cultural and archaeological sites and you’ve got the perfect holiday destination.

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Rhodes holds a very pleasant surprise in store, for anyone who visit the island for the first time. Τhis emerald island of the southeast Aegean Sea, Rhodes, is the biggest of a complex of islands, known as the Dodecanese. The Island of the sun!

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US 50 bridge closed west of Gunnison due to safety concerns

Travel advisory.

Gunnison and Montrose Counties  — A safety closure is in place for a bridge on US Highway 50 located west of Gunnison. The Colorado Department of Transportation is closing the bridge at the urging of the Federal Highway Administration and state bridge engineering experts due to the findings of an ongoing safety inspection, which identified anomalies in the bridge on Thursday, April 18. The closure is in place between US 50 Mile Point 131 (intersection with Colorado Highway 92) and MP 138. Local traffic will be allowed through the closure point to reach residences. Motorists should use COtrip to plan an alternate route. See below for more information about the northern and southern recommended alternate routes. CDOT has set up an incident command and will coordinate with local, state and federal agencies in order to respond as quickly and effectively as possible. CDOT has been conducting a special inspection for high-strength steel bridges for the Blue Mesa bridges as required by the Federal Highway Administration. This inspection was required because of known issues with similarly constructed bridges elsewhere in the country. A defect was observed during an early investigation of the bridge at approximately Mile Point 136.3. CDOT immediately brought in a second inspection crew with resources to perform another method for testing whether the defect posed a safety hazard on the bridge. The second inspection took place on Thursday, April 18.  CDOT is continuing to assess the safety of the bridge and to quickly determine options for interim and permanent fixes – and will keep the public informed as soon as more information is available. The bridge closure is located between Gunnison and Montrose. It is located east of the US 50 Little Blue Creek Canyon project, which is currently in a planned winter shutdown.

Recommended Alternate Routes

This closure will create a significant detour for commuters between Montrose and Gunnison. The recommended detour route for through traffic is via Interstate 70 to the north or US 160 to the south. CDOT understands the inconvenience that this creates and is rapidly evaluating options to improve options for residents, businesses, and travelers on the western slope. The northern route is 354 miles and requires approximately six hours of travel time. The southern route is 331 miles and requires nearly 7 hours of travel time. CDOT and local partners are exploring whether it is feasible at this point in the season to clear local seasonal routes that may be able to significantly reduce the detour time for local travelers. 

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter , Facebook , Instagram and YouTube

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
• Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!

Watch CBS News

Dubai flooding hobbles major airport's operations as "historic weather event" brings torrential rains to UAE

Updated on: April 17, 2024 / 5:57 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Dubai, United Arab Emirates  — The desert nation of the United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Wednesday from the heaviest rain ever recorded there after a deluge flooded out Dubai International Airport, disrupting travel through the world's busiest airfield for international travel. The state-run WAM news agency called the rain Tuesday "a historic weather event" that surpassed "anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949." 

The rains began late Monday, soaking the sands and roadways of Dubai with some 0.79 inches of rain, according to meteorological data collected at Dubai International Airport. The storms intensified around 9 a.m. local time Tuesday and continued throughout the day, dumping more rain and hail onto the overwhelmed city.

Flooding impacts Dubai International Airport

By the end of Tuesday, more than 5.59 inches of rainfall had soaked Dubai over 24 hours. An average year sees just 3.73 inches of rain fall at Dubai International Airport, a hub for the long-haul carrier Emirates.

At the airport, standing water lapped on taxiways as aircraft landed. Arrivals were halted Tuesday night and passengers struggled to reach terminals through the floodwater covering surrounding roads.

The airport said in a  series of social media posts  that all operations were halted for about 25 minutes on Tuesday afternoon and that all arrivals would be diverted after that "until the weather conditions improve." Late Wednesday morning, the airport and the flagship carrier Emirates were still warning travelers not to come to the airport unless absolutely necessary, saying all flight check-in was still suspended.

"Flights continue to be delayed and diverted. Please check your flight status directly with your airline," the airport said in a tweet. "We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions." 

One couple, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity in a country with strict laws that criminalize critical speech, called the situation at the airport "absolute carnage."

"You cannot get a taxi. There's people sleeping in the Metro station. There's people sleeping in the airport," the man said Wednesday.

They ended up getting a taxi to near their home some 18 miles away, but floodwater on the road stopped them. A bystander helped them over a highway barrier with their carry-on luggage, the bottles of gin they picked up from a duty-free store clinking away.

Paul Griffiths, the airport's CEO, acknowledged continued issues with flooding Wednesday morning, saying every place an aircraft could be safely parked was taken. Some aircraft had been diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, the city-state's second airfield.

"It remains an incredibly challenging time. In living memory, I don't think anyone has ever seen conditions like it," Griffiths told the state-owned talk radio station Dubai Eye. "We are in uncharted territory, but I can assure everyone we are working as hard as we possibly can to make sure our customers and staff are looked after."

Did "cloud-seeding" contribute?

Rain also fell in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. However, the rains were acute across the UAE. One reason may have been " cloud seeding ," in which small planes flown by the government go through clouds burning special salt flares. Those flares can increase precipitation.

Several reports quoted meteorologists at the National Center for Meteorology as saying they flew six or seven cloud-seeding flights before the rains. The center did not immediately respond to questions Wednesday, though flight-tracking data analyzed by the AP showed one aircraft affiliated with the UAE's cloud-seeding efforts flew around the country Sunday.

The UAE, which relies heavily on energy-hungry desalination plants to provide water, conducts cloud seeding in part to increase its dwindling, limited groundwater.

Flooding closes schools across UAE

Schools across the UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms, largely shut ahead of the storm and government employees were largely working remotely if they could. Many workers stayed home as well, though some ventured out, with the unfortunate ones stalling out their vehicles in deeper-than-expected water covering some roads.

Authorities sent tanker trucks out into the streets and highways to pump away the water. Water poured into some homes, forcing people to bail out their houses.

The country's hereditary rulers offered no overall damage or injury information for the nation, as some people slept in their flooded vehicles Tuesday night. In Ras al-Khaimah, the country's northernmost emirate, police said a 70-year-old man died when his vehicle was swept away by floodwater.

Fujairah, an emirate on the UAE's eastern coast, saw the heaviest rainfall Tuesday with 5.7 inches falling there.

Authorities canceled school and the government instituted remote work again for Wednesday.

Rain is unusual in the UAE, an arid, Arabian Peninsula nation, but occurs periodically during the cooler winter months. Many roads and other areas lack drainage given the lack of regular rainfall, causing flooding.

Meanwhile in neighboring Oman, a sultanate that rests on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, at least 19 people were killed in heavy rains in recent days, according to a statement Wednesday from the country's National Committee for Emergency Management. That includes some 10 schoolchildren swept away in a vehicle with an adult, prompting condolences from rulers across the region.

Climatologists have warned for years that human-driven climate change is fueling more extreme and less predictable weather events across the globe.

Parts of southern Russia and Central Asia have also been dealing for days with unusually damaging amounts of rainfall and snowmelt, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate to higher ground and killing more than 60 people in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

• United Arab Emirates
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Moscow named ‘Europe’s worst city for traffic congestion’

Looks like, despite the latest upgrades to Moscow’s road system, the city is still running behind other European capitals, in terms of urban congestion. At least this is what the latest Traffic Index by TomTom (Tom2) argues, a Dutch multinational technology company that provides real-time traffic information and services.

They analyzed the traffic situation in 416 cities across 57 countries based on the data the company receives from the 600 million drivers who use TomTom tech in navigation devices, in-dash systems and smartphones around the world.

According to the 2019 Index, Moscow Region (as a federal entity) ranks worst in Europe with a 59 percent congestion level, meaning that a trip in the city takes 59 percent more time than it would in baseline uncongested conditions. As the study says, drivers here lost 225 hours (9 days 9 hours) in rush hours in 2019.

Moscow’s close “competitors” for this not-so-prestigious title are cities like Turkey’s Istanbul (55 percent), Ukraine’s Kiev (53 percent), Romania’s Bucharest (52 percent), and Russia’s cultural capital St. Petersburg (49 percent). 

Fortunately, Moscow doesn’t rank as bad globally. India’s Bengaluru and Philippines’ Manila shared the top spot this year with drivers spending an average of 71 percent extra time in traffic jams. They are followed closely by Colombia’s Bogota (68 percent), India’s Mumbai (65 percent) and Pune (59 percent). Moscow Region is the sixth-worst in the world surpassing Peru’s Lima (57 percent) and Indian capital New Delhi (56 percent).

Among the least congested cities of the world (with 10 percent of congestion or less) the Index names Abu Dhabi (UAE), Almere (Netherlands), Dayton (US), Syracuse (US), Akron (US), Cadiz (Spain), and Greensboro-High Point (US).

Mikhail Kogan, head of the Analytical Department at the Higher School of Financial Management, thinks that these results can indeed be trusted. As he says, TomTom is partnering with Apple providing data for Apple’s maps app. 

“According to the transport strategy for the development of the (Russian) capital, in 2010, the capacity of Moscow’s transport system was exceeded by 30 percent and the effect of the measures taken since then have been offset by continued motorization and population growth in Moscow,” he says. 

Over the past year, Moscow has dropped out of the top five to sixth place globally, but the level of its traffic congestion actually increased by 3 percent, Kogan points out, adding that, at the same time, the development of carsharing , wider access to public transport and the compression of the automotive market can potentially improve the situation by the end of 2020.

The Department for Transport and Road Infrastructure Development of the Moscow City Government hasn’t replied to Russia Beyond’s request for comment.

Over the last decade, Muscovites witnessed a number of significant changes in the city, including the introduction of Moscow Metro ’s new circle line, public transport upgrades, and road and parking renovations. The Russian capital even won the international “Transport Oscar” in 2017.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

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Middle East latest: Rockets 'fired towards US military base in Syria'

At least five rockets are launched from the Iraqi town of Zummar towards a US military base in northeastern Syria, security sources tell Reuters. The attack against American forces is the first since February, when Iranian-backed groups in Iraq stopped targeting US troops.

Sunday 21 April 2024 22:59, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Iran 'displayed power' in attack on Israel, Supreme Leader insists - despite failure
• Rockets 'fired from Iraq towards US military base in Syria'
• Baby delivered in emergency C-section after mother killed in Rafah strike
• Netanyahu: Israel will increase pressure on Hamas 'in coming days' 
• Sean Bell: New details hint at impact of Israeli strike on Iran
• At least 14 Palestinians killed in West Bank raid, authorities say
• Analysis: Iran isn't biggest threat to the coalition right now

Before the Hamas attack inside Israel on 7 October, the Lebanon border area was judged to have enjoyed a relative period of calm and stability.

But that all changed with the events across the border.

Since then Hezbollah fighters and Israeli troops have been exchanging more and more serious fire, violating the terms of an earlier agreement contained in the UN Resolution 1701.

Here, our special correspondent Alex Crawford reports from the "Blue Line" in southern Lebanon...

At least five rockets have been fired from Iraq's town of Zummar towards a US military base in northeastern Syria, two Iraqi security sources have told Reuters.

The security sources and a senior army officer said a rocket launcher fixed on the back of a small truck had been parked in Zummar border town with Syria.

The military official said the truck caught fire with an explosion from unfired rockets at the same time as warplanes were in the sky.

The attack against US forces is the first since early February when Iranian-backed groups in Iraq stopped their attacks against US troops.

It comes a day after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani returned from a visit to the US and met with President Joe Biden at the White House.

Hezbollah has claimed it downed an Israeli drone that was on a combat mission in southern Lebanon.

The drone that was brought down above the Al Aishiyeh area in southern Lebanon was "waging its attacks on our steadfast people," a statement by the group said, according to Reuters.

Hezbollah is an Iranian proxy operating from Lebanon and it frequently trades rocket and drone attacks with Israel across the Lebanese-Israeli border. 

Earlier today, Iran's supreme leader dismissed any discussion of whether Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile attack on Israel hit anything there.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's comments to senior military leaders did not not touch on the apparent Israeli retaliatory strike on the central city of Isfahan on Friday, even though air defences opened fire and Iran grounded commercial flights across much of the country.

The 85-year-old made the comments in a meeting attended by the top ranks of Iran's regular military, police and paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, a powerful force within its Shiite theocracy.

We have been reporting this weekend on the Israeli raid at Nur Shams, in the occupied West Bank.

The raid began in the early hours of Friday and troops were still exchanging fire with armed fighters into Saturday.

Here are some of the images that have emerged from the region...

By Alex Crawford , special correspondent

The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon has told Sky News the dangers in the region have not gone away and called for calm, wisdom and de-escalation as a matter of urgency.

Joanna Wronecka spoke from her office in Beirut about her worries and appealed for restraint from all those involved.

"I'm very concerned," she said. "Because we need just a small miscalculation and the situation can escalate even more."

She was referring to the spike in cross-border firing between the Israeli military and the Lebanese Hezbollah fighters who've been trading attacks with growing intensity since 7 October.

You can read Crawford's full piece here...

The campaigner who was called "openly Jewish" by a police officer last weekend, has been offered a meeting with a senior Metropolitan Police officer.

In a statement, the force said assistant commissioner Matt Twist had written to Gideon Falter, chief executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, to offer a private meeting.

The meeting is "to both apologise to him personally and discuss what more the Met can do to ensure Jewish Londoners feel safe", the police said.

We reported this morning the Board of Deputies of British Jews will meet Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley this week, along with the Jewish Leadership Council and antisemitism charity CST regarding the incident (see post at 2.05pm).

 A baby girl was delivered in an emergency caesarean section after her Palestinian mother was killed along with her husband and daughter by an Israeli attack in the Gaza city of Rafah, Palestinian health officials have said.

The baby is stable and improving gradually, Mohammed Salama, a doctor caring for her, said.

Her mother, Sabreen Al-Sakani, had been 30 weeks pregnant.

The baby will stay in hospital for three to four weeks, Dr Salama said.

"After that we will see about her leaving, and where this child will go, to the family, to the aunt or uncle or grandparents. Here is the biggest tragedy. Even if this child survives, she was born an orphan," he said.

Israel has carried out near-daily air raids on Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's population of 2.3 million have sought refuge from fighting elsewhere.

It has also vowed to expand its ground offensive to the city on the border with Egypt despite international calls for restraint.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had a telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today and discussed the state of the region, a spokesperson for the German government has said.

"The chancellor emphasised that it was essential to avoid a regional escalation," the spokesperson said.

It comes as Iran and Israel, who have been locked in a shadow war for years, try to dial back tensions following a series of escalatory attacks between them as the Israel-Hamas war inflames the wider region.

Israel war cabinet member Benny Gantz has spoken with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and asked him to reconsider the decision to sanction the IDF's Netzah Yehuda battalion, the American news website Axios reports, citing Mr Gantz's office.

For context : This weekend a report from Axios claimed the US was expected to announce sanctions within days on the IDF battalion for human rights violations in the occupied West Bank.  

Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu has already responded, warning it is "forbidden" to sanction the IDF.

The Axios report adds it would be the first time the US has imposed sanctions on an Israeli military unit.

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The desert nation of UAE records its most rain ever, flooding highways and Dubai’s airport

The desert nation of the United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Wednesday from the heaviest rain ever recorded there after a deluge flooded out Dubai International Airport, disrupting travel through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel.

The desert nation of the United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Wednesday from the heaviest rain ever recorded there after a deluge flooded out Dubai International Airport, disrupting flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel.

Two men walk through floodwater in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The desert nation of the United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Wednesday from the heaviest rain ever recorded there after a deluge flooded out Dubai International Airport, disrupting the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

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Vehicles drive through heavy rain on the Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Heavy rains lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, flooding out portions of major highways and leaving vehicles abandoned on roadways across Dubai. Meanwhile, the death toll in separate heavy flooding in neighboring Oman rose to 18 with others still missing as the sultanate prepared for the storm. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

An SUV splashes through standing water on a road with the Burj Al Arab luxury hotel seen in the background in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Heavy rains lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, flooding out portions of major highways and leaving vehicles abandoned on roadways across Dubai. Meanwhile, the death toll in separate heavy flooding in neighboring Oman rose to 18 with others still missing as the sultanate prepared for the storm. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

A bus stands abandoned in pouring rain as the sky turned green as a storm hit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Heavy rains lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, flooding out portions of major highways and leaving vehicles abandoned on roadways across Dubai. Meanwhile, the death toll in separate heavy flooding in neighboring Oman rose to 18 with others still missing as the sultanate prepared for the storm. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Vehicles sit abandoned in floodwater covering a major road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Heavy thunderstorms lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, dumping over a year and a half’s worth of rain on the desert city-state of Dubai in the span of hours as it flooded out portions of major highways and its international airport. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

A woman takes a selfie in floodwater in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The desert nation of the United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Wednesday from the heaviest rain ever recorded there after a deluge flooded out Dubai International Airport, disrupting the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

An SUV drives through floodwater covering a road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Heavy thunderstorms lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, dumping over a year and a half’s worth of rain on the desert city-state of Dubai in the span of hours as it flooded out portions of major highways and its international airport. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

People look out at floodwater covering a major road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Heavy thunderstorms lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, dumping over a year and a half’s worth of rain on the desert city-state of Dubai in the span of hours as it flooded out portions of major highways and its international airport. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

An SUV stalls out while trying to pass through standing water in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Heavy rains lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, flooding out portions of major highways and leaving vehicles abandoned on roadways across Dubai. Meanwhile, the death toll in separate heavy flooding in neighboring Oman rose to 18 with others still missing as the sultanate prepared for the storm. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

A man tries to work on his stalled SUV in standing water in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Heavy rains lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, flooding out portions of major highways and leaving vehicles abandoned on roadways across Dubai. Meanwhile, the death toll in separate heavy flooding in neighboring Oman rose to 18 with others still missing as the sultanate prepared for the storm. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

A van passes through standing water in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Heavy rains lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, flooding out portions of major highways and leaving vehicles abandoned on roadways across Dubai. Meanwhile, the death toll in separate heavy flooding in neighboring Oman rose to 18 with others still missing as the sultanate prepared for the storm. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

People look out at floodwater covering a major road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Heavy thunderstorms lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, dumping over a year and a half’s worth of rain on the desert city-state of Dubai in the span of hours as it flooded out portions of major highways and its international airport. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Men gesture as they try to tow a vehicle out of standing water in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Heavy rains lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, flooding out portions of major highways and leaving vehicles abandoned on roadways across Dubai. Meanwhile, the death toll in separate heavy flooding in neighboring Oman rose to 18 with others still missing as the sultanate prepared for the storm. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

An SUV passes through standing water in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Heavy rains lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, flooding out portions of major highways and leaving vehicles abandoned on roadways across Dubai. Meanwhile, the death toll in separate heavy flooding in neighboring Oman rose to 18 with others still missing as the sultanate prepared for the storm. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

A man sits in a semitruck stuck in floodwater in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The desert nation of the United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Wednesday from the heaviest rain ever recorded there after a deluge flooded out Dubai International Airport, disrupting the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

A man walks through floodwater in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The desert nation of the United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Wednesday from the heaviest rain ever recorded there after a deluge flooded out Dubai International Airport, disrupting the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Debris floats through an SUV abandoned in floodwater in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Heavy thunderstorms lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, dumping over a year and a half’s worth of rain on the desert city-state of Dubai in the span of hours as it flooded out portions of major highways and its international airport. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

A worker cuts through a downed tree with a chainsaw after a major storm in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Heavy thunderstorms lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, dumping over a year and a half’s worth of rain on the desert city-state of Dubai in the span of hours as it flooded out portions of major highways and its international airport. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

This is a locator map for the Gulf Cooperation Council member states: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Wednesday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded — a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel.

The state-run WAM news agency called the rain Tuesday “a historic weather event” that surpassed “anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949.” That’s before crude oil was discovered in this energy-rich nation then part of a British protectorate known as the Trucial States.

Rain also fell in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, but was acute across the UAE.

The flooding sparked speculation that cloud seeding — flying small planes through clouds dispersing chemicals aimed at getting rain to fall — may have contributed to the deluge. But experts said the storm systems that produced the rain were forecast well in advance and that cloud seeding alone would not have caused such flooding.

Several reports quoted meteorologists at the National Center for Meteorology as saying they flew six or seven cloud-seeding flights before the rains. Flight-tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press showed one aircraft affiliated with the UAE’s cloud-seeding efforts flew around the country Monday.

The National, an English-language, state-linked newspaper in Abu Dhabi, quoted an anonymous official at the center on Wednesday as saying no cloud seeding took place on Tuesday, without acknowledging any earlier flights.

The center did not respond to questions Wednesday from the AP.

The UAE, which heavily relies on energy-hungry desalination plants to provide water, conducts cloud seeding in part to increase its dwindling, limited groundwater .

An SUV splashes through standing water on a road with the Burj Al Arab luxury hotel seen in the background in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Jeff Masters, a meteorologist for Yale Climate Connections, said the flooding in Dubai was caused by an unusually strong low pressure system that drove many rounds of heavy thunderstorms.

“You don’t need cloud seeding’s influence to account for the record deluge in Dubai,” Masters said.

Another expert, Steven Siems of Australia’s Monash University, agreed.

Given the size of the storm, any seeding effort would simply be pointless,” he said. “Nature is already doing the job perfectly well.”

Scientists also say climate change in general is responsible for more intense and more frequent extreme storms, droughts, floods and wildfires around the world. Dubai hosted the United Nations’ COP28 climate talks just last year. Rising temperatures and other effects of global warming long have been viewed as a threat to life in the already-baking region.

The rains began late Monday, soaking the sands and roadways of Dubai with some 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) of rain, according to meteorological data collected at Dubai International Airport. The storms intensified around 9 a.m. Tuesday and continued throughout the day, dumping more rain and hail onto the overwhelmed city.

By the end of Tuesday, more than 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rainfall had soaked Dubai over 24 hours. An average year sees 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches) of rain at Dubai International Airport.

Vehicles drive through heavy rain on the Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Standing water lapped on taxiways as aircraft landed. Arrivals were halted Tuesday night, and passengers struggled to reach terminals through water-covered roads.

One couple, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity to speak freely in a country with strict laws that criminalize critical speech, called the situation at the airport “absolute carnage.”

“You cannot get a taxi. There’s people sleeping in the Metro station. There’s people sleeping in the airport,” the man said Wednesday.

Dubai International Airport acknowledged Wednesday morning that the flooding had left “limited transportation options” and affected flights as aircraft crews couldn’t reach the airfield.

“Recovery will take some time,” the airport said on the social platform X.

Long-haul carrier Emirates and FlyDubai, its low-cost sister airline, had major disruptions.

Paul Griffiths, the airport’s CEO, acknowledged continued issues with flooding Wednesday morning, saying every place an aircraft could be safely parked was taken. Some aircraft had been diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, the city-state’s second airfield.

“It remains an incredibly challenging time. In living memory, I don’t think anyone has ever seen conditions like it,” Griffiths told the state-owned talk radio station Dubai Eye. “We are in uncharted territory.”

Egypt’s national carrier, EgyptAir, also temporarily suspended flights between Cairo and Dubai due to the bad weather.

Schools across the UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms, largely shut ahead of the storm and government employees were largely working remotely if able. Many workers stayed home as well, though some ventured out, with the unfortunate stalling out their vehicles in deeper-than-expected water covering spots on some roads. That included parts of the Sheikh Zayed Road, a 12-lane highway through downtown Dubai.

Authorities sent tanker trucks out into the streets and highways to pump away the water. Water poured into some homes, forcing people to bail out their houses.

The country’s hereditary rulers offered no overall damage or injury information for the nation, as some slept in their flooded vehicles Tuesday night. In Ras al-Khaimah, the country’s northernmost emirate, police said one 70-year-old man died when his vehicle was swept away by floodwater.

Khatm al-Shakla, an area near Al Ain in Abu Dhabi, saw 254 millimeters (10 inches) of rain Tuesday, the most anywhere in the country, officials said.

Authorities canceled school and the government instituted remote work again for Wednesday. Dubai later closed schools for the rest of the week.

Rain is unusual in the UAE, an arid, Arabian Peninsula nation, but occurs periodically during the cooler winter months. Many roads and other areas lack drainage given the lack of regular rainfall, causing flooding.

Meanwhile in neighboring Oman, a sultanate that rests on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, at least 19 people were killed in heavy rains in recent days, according to a statement Wednesday from the country’s National Committee for Emergency Management. That includes some 10 schoolchildren swept away in a vehicle with an adult, which saw condolences come into the country from rulers across the region.

Associated Press writer Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report.

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Rhodes wildfires: up to 10,000 Britons stranded on Greek island

No 10 says travel advice for the island may change, as Greece undertakes largest-ever evacuation effort

• Heatwave – latest news updates

Up to 10,000 British tourists are stranded on the wildfire-stricken Greek island of Rhodes, according to the UK government, as a spokesperson said it was possible official travel advice would change.

Earlier on Monday, a Foreign Office minister had declined to advise people not to travel, suggesting instead that they contact their tour operator.

Andrew Mitchell also said evacuations were not taking place on Corfu, parts of which were also ablaze, as had been reported. He said this was because the fires there were not affecting tourist areas.

Firefighters are battling 82 wildfires across the country, 64 of which started on Sunday, the hottest day of the summer so far.

The holiday firms Tui and Thomas Cook have cancelled trips to Rhodes. However, Tui was criticised for continuing to send people to the island on Sunday – even as the gravity of the situation was clear.

The government was facing calls on Monday to change its stance on the categorisation of Rhodes, to enable tourists to get a refund for their trips under their travel insurance.

Alicia Kearns, a Conservative MP who chairs the Commons foreign affairs select committee, said she was also in favour of moving to advise against travel to Rhodes, but added that she understood why the government was reluctant.

“The reality of the government’s position is in line with our allies in Europe , because no one wants to compromise Greece’s heavily tourism-dependent economy at this time,” she said.

“Ultimately, we need companies to step up and recognise that people will not be able to have the holiday that was booked for them. I know there is a statutory duty for the government to get British citizens home if they are in trouble, but travel companies have to live up to their obligations rather than making profits from flights carrying tourists out, and then stepping away and letting the government sort out how to get them home in some cases.”

The Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson, Layla Moran, said that Rhodes should immediately be added to the “red list” of places to which the Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel.

“Many families are unable to make a claim against their insurance – leaving them paying the penalty for deciding not to fly out to the island,” said the MP.

On Sunday, Greece undertook its largest ever evacuation effort, moving 19,000 people – primarily tourists – from villages and resorts on Rhodes as wildfires fanned by high-speed winds raged for a sixth day.

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The British prime minister’s spokesperson told reporters shortly before lunchtime on Monday: “Our advice is focused on the safety of British nationals and enabling people to make an informed decision about the situation on the ground.”

“The current situation is impacting on a limited area in Rhodes and whilst it’s right to keep it under review and it’s possible that the advice may change, we do not want to act out of proportion to the situation on the ground.”

He said there are “not currently” plans to get the RAF to help people leave.

On Sunday, travel firms and airlines were being encouraged to reimburse passengers who had decided not to fly to Rhodes.

Mitchell put his “best estimate” of the number of British tourist on Rhodes at between 7,000 and 10,000. When asked if the government was officially advising against more people travelling there on Monday, Mitchell said holidaymakers should contact their tour operator.

“There were only 10 free beds on the whole island when I asked yesterday. But we think something like 1,000 beds may well come back on stream today as others don’t now come and therefore more beds are available,” he told Times Radio.

Mitchell said the government was not advising against travel to Rhodes because “it’s important to remember that only 10% of the island is affected by these fires, and therefore it is the tourist companies and the holiday experts who are best placed to give guidance on whether or not a family or individuals’ holidays are going to be ruined by these events.”

Asked if he would personally go on holiday there at the moment, he said: “I think I probably wouldn’t. But the point is that if I had booked a holiday I would take advice and would take advice also from the tour operator.”

On Sunday night, local authorities ordered the evacuation of five small settlements on Corfu. However, Mitchell told BBC Breakfast on Monday morning: “The information I had one minute before this interview started is that there are not any evacuations from Corfu, there had been movement of people overnight within Corfu but this morning they have been sent back to their earlier accommodation. So I hope the situation is a little better and more stable than your reports suggests.”

Earlier Mitchell had told Sky News he was not sure how many UK citizens were on Corfu, adding: “The position on Corfu is very different. The fires are not taking place in residential areas or holiday areas.”

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Road Trips: How to Plan an Accessible Getaway

By Syren Nagakyrie

Planning an accessible road trip is getting a little easier for people with disabilities. There are more resources created by and for the disability community, and the tourism industry is starting to recognize the value of accessible travel. As a disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent person, I take road trips every year and have learned some tips and tricks along the way.

Renting a vehicle

Most major car companies offer adaptive driving devices for their vehicles at no additional cost. Enterprise , for example, offers hand controls, left foot accelerators, pedal extenders and spinner knobs to facilitate steering. Budget can provide hand controls, spinner knobs, a panoramic mirror, swivel seats and transfer boards. Be prepared to request adaptive devices at least three business days in advance.

For a wheelchair-accessible van with a ramp or a lift, rent from a mobility company like BraunAbility , one of the largest builders of wheelchair-accessible vans in the country, with rentals at many locations. MobilityWorks , an accessible-vehicle and adaptive-equipment dealer, has rental locations in 34 states. AccessibleGO , which offers a one-stop shop for adapted rental cars and wheelchair-accessible vans, has agreements with 100 wheelchair van rental locations nationwide; request a quote on their website. For accessibleGO’s rental cars, you can request hand controls and a spinner knob at checkout.

Route planning

You can use Google Maps, Waze and MapQuest for initial accessibility research using photos and street view. Google Maps provides directions for some wheelchair-accessible pedestrian and transit routes.

Sites such as Roadtrippers and Furkot can plot an entire itinerary. While these websites are not disability specific, they are invaluable tools. (Roadtrippers does have a wheelchair-accessible check box in the search function.) You can filter by types of destinations such as national parks or museums, and search for hotels and campgrounds. Furkot allows you to input how long you want to drive each day, whether you want to travel on Interstate highways or take more scenic roads. The app will determine the best route and length of time between stops, and suggest where to stay overnight.

Finding lodging

While hotels and other accommodations are required to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, many hotels do not meet all accessibility needs. Most of the booking sites list hotels with accessible rooms for those with mobility, hearing and vision needs, but this information is not always verified. Do additional research on review sites and look for photos. Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton and Fairmont hotels offer allergy-friendly and scent-free rooms in some locations. Call the hotel to verify accessibility and to make sure a specific room is reserved for you.

Vacation rentals are typically not required to be A.D.A. compliant, but some do provide accessibility information. Airbnb recently rolled out an adapted category with accessibility search features and homes that have been scanned for accessibility. Review photos and contact the host for more information. Some hosts will make accommodations, such as changing the cleaning supplies or shifting furniture, but document your request using the in-app messaging system so that customer service can help if you run into issues.

Wheel the World is an accessible travel agency offering bookings at over 3,000 verified accessible hotels in the United States. The hotels have been reviewed in person by trained assessors; only those that meet the criteria are listed. Sign up as a disabled traveler or a companion and complete a personal profile that includes options for a variety of disabilities and accessibility needs. The site will provide listings that match your profile with partial, adequate and outstanding match options.

Food and medication

There are a variety of options to keep food or medication cold while traveling. Electric coolers can plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt outlet, but pay attention to the type of cooling mechanism — the less expensive versions are usually thermoelectric and will cool only to about 30 degrees below ambient temperature (if it is 70 degrees in the car, it will cool to 40 degrees). Compressor coolers are more expensive but maintain normal refrigerated temperatures.

Many hotels provide mini-refrigerators. When you know you will be stopping somewhere with a fridge almost every night, layer large ice packs and supplies in a cooler, then top them with another insulating layer like a cooling bag. This keeps everything cold for a couple of days at a time.

It’s also a good idea to travel with a single-burner cooktop — electric to use inside, or propane to use at rest areas and campgrounds — and a camp mess kit so that you can safely cook meals.

Some of the best apps to find food, restaurants and grocery stores that accommodate dietary needs are Fig for allergy-specific options, Happy Cow for vegan-friendly options and Find Me Gluten Free for celiac-safe spots. Add your favorite options to the route-planning app so that you know where to stop.

Finding activities

In addition to the apps mentioned in the route-planning section, state and local tourism organizations are good sources for accessible destinations.

National parks and monuments, which are required to meet federal accessibility guidelines, typically have visitor centers and recreation sites with accessible features. Each park website has information, as well as programs and services within the park. While accessibility varies, you can usually find information on wheelchair-accessible trails and campsites, tactile and audio features, assistive listening devices, and American Sign Language interpreters.

At state parks, accessibility features may not be consistent, but you can usually find some information on each park’s website.

Apps like AllTrails list wheelchair-friendly trails across the country, but the information may not be verified, so contact the park or land manager for verification. Among the parks with notable accessible trails are Redwood National and State Parks, North Cascades National Park, Badlands National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

Syren Nagakyrie, the founder of the nonprofit Disabled Hikers and the author of “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Western Washington and Oregon” and “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Northern California,” among other guidebooks, leads group hikes and conducts assessments throughout the United States.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Pair these L.A. road trips with a hike and a lunch

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In April 2020 — only a month or so into the COVID-19 pandemic — my wife and I were running out of things to do. The novelty of Zoom calls with friends was wearing off. We’d watched lots of movies and TV. We were itching to get out of our apartment, but with the virus still raging, we couldn’t risk being around other people. Then we had an idea: Why not go for a drive?

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For our first trip, we drove the length of Little Tujunga Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest. After that, we were hooked. In the ensuing months, we crisscrossed the Santa Monica Mountains and made trips into Los Padres National Forest and beyond.

My wife bought me a California road atlas, and it became part of our scenic drive ritual: We’d consult its pages for inspiration, looking for two-lane roads and state highways that squiggled through mountain ranges or meandered through deserts. After returning home, I’d highlight our route. Four years after our first drive, the atlas is full of highlights documenting our travels — and there’s still a lifetime’s worth of backroads we haven’t covered yet.

No matter where we go, each drive gives me a deeper appreciation for the incredible range of landscapes in Southern California. And these journeys have led to many rewarding discoveries, from out-of-the-way diners to new trailheads for hiking and biking.

If you’re tired of visiting the same places, it’s time to hit the road. These two trips — all within a three-hour drive of the city — will get you started.

Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument This route traverses winding mountain roads through Los Padres and spits you out near the southern entrance to Carrizo Plain — a vast preserve of native grassland and a hotspot for wildflowers (at least on some years ) and birdwatching . From Interstate 5, take Exit 205 and head west on Frazier Mountain Park Road. This two-lane road changes names several times as it ascends into the San Emigdio Mountains, passing forested slopes and epic canyon views along the way.

After about 42 miles, you’ll meet California 166. Take a right here and then a left on Soda Lake Road to enter Carrizo Plain National Monument. Drive northwest for 35 miles to the parking lot for the Soda Lake Trail, a short boardwalk that gets you up close to the park’s salt-crusted lake. If you plan ahead, you can also book a guided tour of Painted Rock, a sandstone outcrop with Native American rock art.

Hungry? Head back the way you came, take a right on California 166, and drive west 15 miles to the Cuyama Buckhorn , a renovated ’50s motel, restaurant and bar. The eatery’s Santa Maria-style tri-tip is superb, and if you grab a room, you can turn this scenic drive into a full weekend escape .

Volcan Mountain and Julian This route will take you to Julian , a mountain town famous for its apple orchards and delicious pies. From Interstate 15, take Exit 58 for California 79. Take a right on Pechanga Parkway and head south. The road becomes Pala Temecula Road and emerges into a wide canyon with mountains towering on either side. Take a left at Pala Mission Road and continue east on California 76, which hugs the San Luis Rey River before ascending more than 1,000 feet up a chaparral-covered ridgeline.

After some hairpin turns, the road levels off and skirts Lake Henshaw, a picturesque reservoir. Take a right on California 79, and after 10 miles, take a left on Wynola Road. Follow that road for about 3.5 miles, then take a left on Farmer Road to arrive at Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. Stretch your legs on the Five Oaks Trail , a 1.2-mile path that ascends the western flank of Volcan Mountain and offers sweeping views of the orchards below.

With your appetite revved up, head south on Farmer Road into Julian and make a stop at the Julian Pie Co . Grab a well-deserved slice of apple pie and some apple cider and rest your feet at a picnic table while you chow down.

3 things to do

1. Race plankton in Manhattan Beach In celebration of Earth Day, the Roundhouse Aquarium will hold a day full of educational activities inside and outside its facilities. Highlights include dolphin spotting, a fish feeding, crafts, games, a “shark shack” and, yes, plankton racing. The festivities kick off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and go until 4 p.m. The event is free, but be sure to register ahead of time at roundhouseaquarium.org .

2. Go gardening in San Pedro Give back to the land by planting native species, removing weeds, mulching and watering the White Point Nature Preserve’s garden with the folks at Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. You’ll also have the chance to enter a raffle and take a guided nature walk. As a bonus, refreshments will be provided by Starbucks to keep you cool and hydrated. The three-hour event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday. All volunteers under age 16 should be accompanied by an adult, and all volunteers under age 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver at the event. Register at pvplc.com .

3. Stretch your legs on Venice Boulevard CicLAvia is back. And this time it’s shutting down a 5.75-mile stretch of Venice Boulevard that connects Palms, Mar Vista and Venice Beach for walkers, joggers, bikers, roller skaters, unicyclers, penny-farthings, pogo sticks — anything as long as it’s completely powered by humans. There will be three local hubs along the route where you’ll be able to partake in family-friendly activities, pump air into your bike’s tires, refill your water bottle and use the restroom. Be sure to reference CicLAvia’s digital map so you can scope out the local businesses you’d like to visit along the way. It all takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information about the event and the area it covers, visit ciclavia.org .

The must-read

The Klamath River in Northern California has turned brown and muddy, but that’s a good thing. As Times writer Ian James reports , it’s a side effect of the largest dam removal project in history, which aims to restore the river to its natural state. Four dams are being removed along the Klamath, and the river is passing freely through tunnels in three of them, draining reservoirs and churning up an estimated 2.3 million tons of sediment that had settled along the bottom of those man-made lakes. Although the turbid water might look ugly, restoration advocates and tribal leaders see it as a sign of healing. The muck is passing out of the Klamath, and new life — everything from salmon heading upstream to native plant seedlings along the riverbanks — will soon take its place.

Happy adventuring,

Want to try birding but don’t have binoculars? Head to the Audubon Center in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and you can borrow a free pair of binoculars (as well as a birding guide, backpack and other gear) to help you spot the 140 species of birds that call the park home.

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild . And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here .

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We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.

Michael Charboneau is a freelance writer covering gear and the outdoors, and he’ll be writing The Wild newsletter for the next few months. He has written for a variety of publications, including Men’s Journal, Runner’s World and InsideHook, and he lives in West L.A. When he’s not writing, he can be found running, hiking and biking around Los Angeles and its mountains.

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County Road 26 opens to limited travel on Monday due to U.S. Highway 50 bridge closure

GUNNISON — This weekend, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Gunnison County officials have been working together to speed up improvements to County Road 26 so it can open on Monday.

Once open, this county road can be used for limited travel between Montrose and Gunnison.

According to a press release from CDOT, engineers are continuing to perform safety inspections of the U.S. Highway 50 bridge.

This bridge closed on Thursday, April 18, after an inspection revealed a crack in one of the girders.

WATCH: CORRECTION: A crack causes a bridge to close between Gunnison and Montrose

CDOT says that they recognize that the U.S. 50 bridge closure creates a significant detour for those looking to travel between Montrose and Gunnison which is why they have been working to get this shorter access route opened up.

They also say that their partnership with Gunnison County will continue as the county road is fortified with gravel and traffic is mangaed to a level that the road can safely withstand.

Starting Monday, April 22, pilot cars will lead passenger vehicles along the county road two times a day in each direction.

Because CR 26 is an unpaved, high-mountain road that was not built to accomodate the same amounts of traffic as the U.S. 50 bridge, travel times will be limited to

• 6:00 to 6:30 a.m. & 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. for westbound travel
• 7:00 to 7:30 a.m. & 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. for eastbound travel

Those looking to travel westbound can meet the pilot cars near the intersection of CO 149 and CR 26. Those looking to travel eastbound can meet the pilot cars near the intersection of U.S. 50 and CR 26. The travel time using this access route is expected to be 30 minutes or more.

Commercial vehicles over a 16,001 gross vehicle weight are prohibited from using this route.

County Road 26 will only be available for essential travel and only during the timeframes listed above.

During all other times the road will remain closed due to the ongoing restoration work needed to make sure that the road remains safe to travel.

The recommended detour for northbound travel continues to be via Interstate 70. The recommeded detour for southbound travel continues to be via U.S. 160.

These detours add six to eight hours of travel time.

For additional information about this project, you can

• visit the project website
• call the project team at 970-648-4423
• email the project team at [email protected]

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‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’ Is a Keeper: TV Review

Legendary talk show host and hot wing evangelist returns to television with hilarious new Max travel show

By Stephen Rodrick

Stephen Rodrick

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The key to understanding Conan O’Brien’s comedy is knowing that it comes from a point of kindness. Yes, I know in this age of comics punching down , this kind of compliment may leave you with a neon “Must Avoid!” sign flashing in your bleary eyes — but stay with me.

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Conan’s three-decade run as a talk show host ended in 2021 under less-than-optimal circumstances , as he wound down his TBS show during the pandemic year. He talked to longtime sidekick Andy Richter , who sat among dozens of cardboard cutout fans. O’Brien quipped that they were last in line for the vaccine because the CDC had looked at the shows and “they said ours is the least essential of pretty much all the non-essential shows.”

There was some truth in that, but Conan had already started his move to other outlets , starting with his “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” podcast in 2018.

The podcast is funny and sweet, especially the pre-interview segments with longtime associate Sona Movsesian and producer Matt Gourley. Conan mocks Sona’s legendarily bad work habits. and Gourley’s flea market predilections, but any kind of comedic acid is reserved for the self-lacerating O’Brien. (On a recent episode, Conan runs down his own looks, and it is cruel and hilarious, but part of me is thinking, “Dude, cut yourself a break.”). The only time things get contentious is when Conan visited by longtime friend Kevin Nealon — perhaps the podcast’s best episodes.

The podcast had an offshoot called “Conan O’Brien Needs a Fan,” on which O’Brien would talk to a fan, often in a faraway land. That led to O’Brien traveling to Norway, Thailand, Ireland and Argentina to meet them. Why? Well, a dour and ominous narrator, aka Werner Herzog, offered this rationale at the beginning of each episode: “Once a proud talk show host, he’s been driven by a changing ecosystem to a drier and harsher climate: the weekly podcast. Here , without the nourishment of his studio audience, this clown with dull , tiny eyes, the eye of a crudely painted doll , is forced to feed on that meagerest of morsels: the random call-in fan. Unhinged by the feral scent of their mild enthusiasm. He scavenges in distant lands uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition , and the occasional selfie.”

It’s a self-deprecating bit, but it’s also the truth. Conan has been doing travel shows for years, most notably one to Movsesian’s native Armenia , as well as a chaotic trip to Finland where O’Brien is treated as a god because of his physical resemblance to the Finnish president who happens to be a woman. He clearly loves the journey. And he loves the comedy set piece–see his classic “Old Timey Baseball” opus — which has always been an essential part of his appeal.

The encounters work because O’Brien doesn’t treat his new friends as fools — rather , he revels in the fact that he is the fool. (See his instant-classic appearance on “Hot Ones,” the show where interviews are conducted while the celebrity consumes increasingly acidic chicken wings. Conan rhapsodizes on comedy being all around us as green-yellow mucus drips down his nose.) Of course, there are exceptions made for old friends. Conan goes out for asada in Buenos Aires with the effete and erudite Jordan Schlansky, a longtime producer and frenemy. Schlansky and Conan are the Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon of American cable , and on his TBS show and podcast the two have tangled over Japanese customs, Conan hosting Schlansky’s bachelor party in his own office, and Schlansky hiding an expensive Espresso machine in an inaccessible part of their offices. (As with the Courtney Thorne-Smith segment, Conan’s visceral malice toward Schlansky works because it is so out-of-character).

During the Argentina episode, they get into a fierce argument about the proper pronunciation of the word “tango,” Conan then licks Schlansky’s favorite cut of meat — wait, that came out wrong. After, they go on an ill-fated trip to the Pampas, where both fail spectacularly at gaucho life.

Not everything works. O’Brien does a self-referential bit about the expensive drone he is using on the first show , and for the next four episodes I am distracted every time I see a beautiful shot thinking about the drone’s specifications and capabilities. Some of the stuff goes on a bit long, but so does my writing.

These are minor quibbles. If you’re a Conan fan, you’ll treasure the trips, just like his completists treasure encounters with a masturbating bear. The series ends with Conan tracing his family’s roots in Ireland. He comes across his ancestor’s land, makes a few jokes, but then looks at the land, clearly moved. Conan O’Brien has played the fool long enough; we grant him this moment of humanity with all our hearts.

All four episodes of “Conan O’Brien Must Go” are now available on Max.

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• International

April 15, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Kathleen Magramo, Antoinette Radford, Maureen Chowdhury and Amir Vera, CNN

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

Israel delays Rafah offensive as it weighs response to Iranian attack. Catch up here

From CNN Staff

Israel was set to take its first steps toward a  ground offensive in Rafah  this week, but has delayed those plans as it mulls a response to Iran’s attack, two Israeli sources have told CNN.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long stressed the importance of invading Rafah to dismantle Hamas’s remaining battalions, despite significant international pressure to call off an all-out ground offensive. But, a military response that risks escalating the conflict with Iran further would pull the military’s attention and resources away from Gaza.

Here's what to know if you're just joining our coverage:

• War cabinet meeting : Israel's war cabinet reviewed military plans for a potential response against Iran, an official said. The cabinet remains determined to act , but it's not clear if a decision has been made. Israel has vowed to "exact a price" after the unprecedented large-scale drone and missile attack .
• White House urges de-escalation: US President Joe Biden is focusing on preventing Iran's attack from spiraling into a wider regional conflict , spokesperson John Kirby said. Kirby said ultimately the US wanted tensions to de-escalate.
• Countries urge restraint : Biden's sentiment is echoed by various countries who are urging Israel and Iran to avoid further confrontation that could plunge the area deeper into conflict. Indonesia, Malaysia , Jordan , Germany , the UK , South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Somalia — among others — have all expressed concern about rising tension in the region.
• Iran's stance : Iran maintains its attack on Israel was a "legitimate" and “responsible” reaction , the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said.
• Flight operations resume : Airports in the Iranian capital of Tehran resumed flights at 6:00 a.m. local time on Monday, according to Iran's state-aligned Tasnim news agency.
• Israel warns Palestinians to avoid the north : After thousands of Palestinians attempted to return to their homes in northern Gaza, Israel's military warned it was a "dangerous combat zone" through social media and airdropped leaflets .
• Gaza death toll : The Health Ministry in Gaza says that 68 people were killed in the territory over the past 24 hours as a result of Israeli military operations. A further 94 were injured. CNN cannot verify the figures, and the Ministry does not provide a breakdown of civilians and fighters among the casualties. The Ministry said that since October 7, 33,797 people have been killed and 76,465 injured.
• West Bank shooting: Israeli gunfire killed one person and critically wounded another in Nablus , in the occupied West Bank, on Monday, the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Health said. Israeli police described the man as a "terrorist" and said he threw an explosive device at their forces.
• Palestinians released : Israeli authorities have released 150 people previously detained in Gaza according to the Palestinian General Authority for Crossings and borders on Monday. Two of the detainees were ambulance workers for the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.
• Israeli soldiers wounded : An explosion near the northern border has injured four Israeli soldiers , one severely, the military says.
• Gaza aid : The Israeli government agency that coordinates the delivery of aid into Gaza says that a new crossing in the north has again been used to deliver food aid .
• Hostage talks: Hamas has slashed the number of hostages it is willing to release during the first phase of a ceasefire deal by more than half, from 40 down to 20, an Israeli source close to the negotiations said. This represents a significant step backward in the talks.

The post has been updated with details on the war cabinet meeting and the hostage talks.

2 Palestinian farmers killed after confrontation with Israeli settlers near West Bank city of Nablus

From CNN's Mohammed Tawfeeq

Two Palestinians were killed Monday south of the West Bank city of Nablus, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials.

The Palestinian official news agency WAFA, citing a local official, said the two were killed by Israeli settlers in Khirbet at-Tawil, which is near the settlement of Gitit. 

According to WAFA, Israeli settlers attacked and killed two farmers who were tending their farmland. 

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah identified the deceased as Abdul Rahman Maher Bani Fadel, 30, and Muhammad Ashraf Bani Jame, 21.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement it received a report Monday "about a Palestinian suspect who attacked a Jewish shepherd" in the Gitit area in the West Bank's Jordan Valley. "A violent confrontation developed there between Palestinians and Israeli citizens," the statement said. 

When IDF forces arrived, they "worked to disperse the confrontation," and "during the incident, two Palestinians were killed," the statement said. 

A preliminary investigation into the shooting appears that IDF forces did not do it, the statement concluded. 

The IDF and the Israel police are investigating the incident, the IDF spokesperson added.

China notes Iran's position on Israel attack and does not condemn strikes

From CNN’s Manveena Suri, Simone McCarthy and Wayne Chang

China said it noted Iran’s statement that the actions against Israel were an “exercise of the right of self-defense” during a phone call between the foreign ministers of the two nations on Monday, and did not condemn the weekend strikes.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian that China condemned the attack on a consulate building in the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus, according to a statement issued by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Chinese foreign minister added the incident “seriously violates international law and is unacceptable.”

“China has noted Iran's statement that the actions it took were limited and it was an exercise of the right of self-defense in response to the attack on the embassy building,” the statement said. “The current regional situation is very sensitive, and Iran is willing to exercise restraint and has no intention of further escalating the situation,” the statement added, quoting Amir-Abdollahian.

Separately, China’s Special Envoy on the Middle East, Zhai Jun, met with Irit Ben-Abba Vitale, Israel’s Ambassador to China, on Monday, in which the latter expressed Israel's position and concerns on the conflict in Gaza.

Zhai said China was “deeply concerned about the current escalation of regional tensions, and conflicts and bloodshed serve the interests of no one.”

“What is pressing now is to achieve an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, ensure humanitarian aid, release all detained personnel as soon as possible, and achieve a political settlement of the Palestinian question based on the two-state solution for the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine,” a statement from the foreign ministry said.

15 more bodies recovered from around Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital as exhumation process continues

From CNN’s Kareem Khadder and Zeena Saifi in Jerusalem

Fifteen bodies were recovered Monday from around Al-Shifa Hospital following the withdrawal of the Israeli military from the area two weeks ago, Gaza residents and medical crews told CNN.

Health workers and residents in northern Gaza have been searching for what they believe are mass graves and looking for their loved ones after they said Israeli forces killed hundreds of Palestinians and left their bodies to decompose during their two-week siege of the complex.

Hundreds of bodies have been recovered from areas around the hospital complex since the siege ended April 1, a Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson told CNN last week.

Video filmed by CNN Monday shows medical workers, some wearing UN-marked vests walking around the site over mounds of sand, digging up bodies. White body bags can be seen on the side of the excavation site, some marked with text that read “unidentified body” and some with names of people on them.

“Today I bid farewell to my mother who was inside Al-Shifa Hospital during the invasion and attack by the vicious Israeli occupation on this medical complex that has been turned into a big mass of rubble,” Mohammad Al-Khateeb, a resident of Gaza told CNN. “The Israeli military deprived patients, nurses, doctors and the displaced of water, medicine and food."

 Al-Khateeb’s mother, Khawala Al-Khateeb, was 75 years old when she was brought to the hospital three days before the Israeli military siege on the complex and surrounding neighborhood of Al-Rimal, and was killed three days after, he said.

CNN has reached out to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for comment on these allegations but has not received a response.

Waleed Abu-Laila told CNN he had been searching for his mother since the Israeli siege on the hospital ended on April 1. On Monday, he said he found her body and was only able to identify her "from the specific markings on her feet and hands" from when she had a toe and finger amputated back in November.

Video shows Abu-Laila opening a white body bag, revealing his mother’s decomposed body.

“The hospital was blocked from all sides and there were bodies were scattered all over, squashed on the streets from the tank rails. When I got a call to come check the unidentified bodies, I opened a bag that was marked 'unidentified' and immediately found my mother’s body decomposed,” he said.

Khadr Al-Za’anoun of Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency, contributed to this report.

Hamas lowers number of hostages it's willing to release as part of a ceasefire deal, Israeli source says

From CNN’s Jeremy Diamond in Tel Aviv

Hamas has slashed the number of hostages it is willing to release during the first phase of a ceasefire deal by more than half, an Israeli source close to the negotiations said.

In its latest counterproposal, Hamas offered to release fewer than 20 hostages in exchange for a six-week ceasefire, more than halving the number of 40 hostages that has been the basis of negotiations for months now, representing a significant step backward in the talks.

A senior Biden administration official confirmed that Hamas is focused on those 20 for the first phase of a potential ceasefire deal. The official also confirmed Hamas is telling mediators that it only has around 20 remaining hostages who are women or sick, wounded and elderly men.

Hamas also called for the release of more Palestinian prisoners in exchange for fewer hostages, the source said, as well as a higher number of prisoners serving life sentences.

The Israeli source said the latest Hamas counterproposal signals that Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza, does not want a deal, seeking to exploit fissures between the US and Israel over Israeli military operations in Gaza and domestic pressure on the Israeli government.

Basem Naim, a Hamas spokesperson, said Hamas had proposed “releasing (three) captured Israelis each week,” but said “no one is talking about final numbers.”

Beyond the ratio of Palestinian prisoners, Hamas is continuing to demand assurances about a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and unrestricted access for Palestinians to return to northern Gaza.

“I think part of this is Hamas thinks they're winning. Because their definition of success is survival and they've survived so far,” the Biden official said. “The longer the conflict has gone on the more recalcitrant Hamas has become rather than the other way around.”

This post has been updated with remarks from a Biden official.

Israeli prime minister says international community must "stand united in resisting this Iranian aggression"

From CNN’s Eugenia Yosef in Haifa and Larry Register in Atlanta

It's imperative the international community "stand united in resisting this Iranian aggression, which threatens world peace," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a Monday statement from his office on X .

Netanyahu added:

“Directly and through its terror proxies Hamas and others, Iran is conducting a full-scale campaign of aggression that threatens not only Israel but the entire Middle East.”

Netanyahu's comments follow an Iranian strike against Israel over the weekend in which more than 300 missiles and drones were launched.

Tehran said the attack was in retaliation for a deadly Israeli attack against a consulate building in the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus.

Golden Gate Bridge reopens after protestors against the war in Gaza block traffic  

From CNN’s Cindy Von Quednow and Jeffrey Kopp

The Golden Gate Bridge has reopened after demonstrators protesting the war in Gaza shut down the busy roadway Monday morning, California Highway Patrol Officer Andrew Barclay told CNN. 

Traffic is beginning to flow again as both sides of the bridge reopened, Barclay added. 

Earlier in the day, protestors also blocked Interstate 880 in Oakland and the roadway remains impacted, Barclay said. The northbound side of the interstate is almost completely clear, while the southbound side remains closed, the officer detailed. Protests continue on the interstate, aerial and ground video from CNN affiliate KGO showed .

“Arrests have been made, and are continuing to be made,” Barclay said in an email early Monday. 

Before the law enforcement response, protesters held signs, including one that read “Stop the world for Gaza.”

I-880 reopened traffic later Monday, California Highway Patrol Officer Art Montiel told CNN. Protesters are still demonstrating on city streets near the interstate, the officer added. 

Montiel was not able to say how many people were arrested in the incident.

US military assets remain in Middle East as Israel debates response to Iran attack, Pentagon says

From CNN's Haley Britzky

Additional US military assets that had been moved into the Middle East before Iran’s attack on Israel remain in place, Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Monday.

Ryder's comments come as Israel debates possible retaliation to Iran’s attack. 

"As (Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin) has said, both publicly and privately, we don't want to see escalation, but we obviously will take necessary measures to protect our forces in the region and as was demonstrated over the weekend, we'll take necessary measures to defend Israel," Ryder said.

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