UK issues travel warning for Israel, Palestine

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) – Britain has issued a travel warning, advising citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Israel and Palestinian territories.

Amid escalating tension in the region, the Foreign Office issued an update on Sunday, urging Britons to avoid non-essential travel to Israel and Palestine.

In addition, it also advised against all travel to some regions, including Gaza, southwest of Ashkelon, and west of Be’er Sheva.

The Gaza-based Hamas resistance group launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel on Saturday morning, firing a barrage of rockets.

In retaliation, the Israeli military bombarded the Gaza Strip, razing down many high-rise buildings on Saturday and Sunday.

At least 700 Israelis have been killed so far while the death toll on the Palestinian side has also jumped to 493.