US issues travel alert for Israel, Palestinian territories
The US government issued an advisory urging Americans to skip travel or exercise caution in Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
It mentioned no specific threat, only the heightened US-Iran tensions in the region after tit-for-tat missile attacks.
The Federal Aviation Administration also banned US jetliners from overflying Iran airspace, with other aviation regulators around the world doing the same.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy strongly encourages US citizens to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness, as security incidents, including rocket fire, often take place without warning," the advisory said.
"In the event of mortar or rocket fire, a red alert siren may be activated. Treat all such alerts as real. Follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space," it added.
It came after the FAA issued an official notice to airmen for airlines flying in the region.
"The Federal Aviation Administration outlines flight restrictions that prohibit US civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman," the agency said.
Other international carriers from Air Canada to Singapore Airlines and Qantas have also been ordered to avoid the affected airspace.
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