WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of State has issued a warning for U.S. citizens to defer travel to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. U.S. State Department officials said terrorist attacks have occurred in Israel and areas frequented by tourists. They said there are also ongoing concerns regarding locations associated with American interests in Israel.
There are also revised prohibitions against using public transportation within Israel by American government employees.
Since Aug. 3 suicide bombings have caused deaths on two buses, at a bus stop, and in a crowded public market. There have also been lethal car and truck bombings at resort hotels in Egypt, across the border from Israel.
The State Department has warned U.S. citizens since Oct. 15, 2003, to depart Gaza immediately because of safety concerns.
Within Israel, terrorist violence since the beginning of the present Intifada in September 2000 has caused more than 6,000 civilian casualties, including 40 Americans.
