FO warns of violence in West Bank
The Foreign Office has warned tourists to Israel of increased violence in the West Bank as the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis intensifies.
The FCO updated its advice to say the situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem remains tense and the security situation is volatile.
It warned current events in Gaza may lead to increased violence in the West Bank.
At least five people were killed and 70 injured by an Israeli strike on a hospital in Gaza, Palestinians said yesterday.
Doctors say several Israeli tank shells hit the hospital’s reception, intensive care unit and operating theatres.
The Palestinian death toll from the two-week conflict has now passed 560, the majority of them civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The UN says more than 100,000 Gazans have now been displaced.
The warning comes as Americans are told by the US government to avoid travel to Israel if possible, expanding the previous advisory to include the West Bank.
A travel warning posted on the US State Department website recommended that citizens "consider the deferral of non-essential travel" to Israel.
It said: "The security environment remains complex in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, and U.S. citizens need to be aware of the risks of travel to these areas because of the current conflict between Hamas and Israel.
"Long-range rockets launched from Gaza since July 8, 2014, have reached many locations in Israel – including Tel Aviv, cities farther north, and throughout the south of the country.
"Some rockets have reached Jerusalem and parts of the West Bank, including Bethlehem and Hebron."
Diane
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