Ukraine issues travel warning for Israel, Palestine

"Due to the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian confrontation, accompanied by rocket and mortar shelling of settlements and mass riots in many Israeli cities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine insistently recommends that Ukrainian citizens refrain from traveling to the State of Israel and Palestine," the statement reads.

Ukrainian citizens who already stay in Israel and Palestine should follow their personal safety rules, closely monitor reports and explanations from local authorities and their representatives, and strictly abide by their requirements and instructions.

Israeli security forces and Palestinians clashed on May 7 near the Temple Mount and in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in eastern Israel. After the prayer on the Temple Mount, the worshippers started hurling stones at the police. The latter responded with rubber bullets, stun grenades and tear gas. At least six police officers and about 200 Palestinians were injured in the clashes, and more than 20 Palestinians were hospitalized.

After that, Hamas militants, who control the Gaza Strip, fired rockets at Israel. The Israeli Air Force responded with air strikes on targets in the Gaza Strip. At least two Israelis and 28 Palestinians were killed in the escalation.

The United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom have called on Israel and the Palestinians to ease tensions in East Jerusalem as soon as possible.

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