US warns against travel to Israel
The US government urged its citizens to leave Gaza immediately and defer travel to Israel because of security concerns since the killing of a top Hamas leader earlier this month.
Yesterday’s travel warning updated one the US State Department issued on March 23 after Israel’s assassination of Hamas leader Sheik Ahmed Yassin. Israel killed his successor, Abdel Aziz Rantisi, on April 17.
The latest advisory cautioned: “The potential for further terrorist acts remains high.” It cites threats by some Hamas members calling for revenge against US interests. It also warns that civilians could be harmed as the Israeli Defence Force conducts military operations.
US citizens who choose to stay in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza should avoid public places such as restaurants, markets, malls, buses and demonstrations, the department said.
