US warns of security problems in Gaza, West Bank

Americans are unsafe in the Gaza Strip, and those in the Palestinian areas should leave immediately, the State Department said Tuesday. Continuing or possible violence in Israel, it said, also makes it necessary for Americans to avoid locations associated with US interests or official US buildings, the State Department said Tuesday in an updated travel warning. Even Americans and other people working to help the Palestinians should be wary, the warning said. "In recent months, citizens of Western nations, including Americans, involved in pro-Palestinian volunteer efforts were assaulted and injured in the Occupied Territories by Israeli settlers and harassed by the [IDF]. Those taking part in demonstrations, nonviolent resistance, and 'direct action' are advised to cease such activity for their own safety," it said.