As of March 2, 2026, Penn travelers are strongly advised to defer travel to and transit through the Middle East region until further notice. This is based on current advice from the U.S. Department of State and International SOS, Penn’s private travel assistance provider, as well as the increased risk related to military operations, airspace closures, and general travel disruption. Penn-affiliated undergraduate travel to the Middle East is currently prohibited until March 15, 2026, at which time this stance will be reassessed. Travelers currently in the region are advised to shelter in place as needed and remain in contact with Penn officials. All other travelers are advised to reconsider traveling to the region. If you have upcoming Penn-affiliated travel planned to the region, please contact travelsafety@pobox.upenn.edu for guidance. As a reminder, faculty, staff, and students are required to register all Penn-affiliated international travel in MyTrips. Events can change quickly so please use the link below for continuing updates.
At 12:00 p.m. local time—or 5:00 a.m. ET—a U.S.-drafted ceasefire agreement went into effect between Israel and Hamas. The agreement is intended to stop the ongoing bloodshed in Gaza and give Israel and Hamas the space to try to arrive at a peace agreement that would permanently end the more than two-years-long war. It would also see the Israeli military begin to withdraw from Gaza and release all Palestinian prisoners, while Hamas would release their remaining Israeli hostages. This agreement will also allow aid to begin filtering back into a war-ravaged Gaza.
Perry World House asked Penn experts to provide their thoughts of the ceasefire plan, if they thought the plan was likely to last, and what the next steps are to achieving peace between Israel and Hamas.
