Hong Kong raises Outbound Travel Alert for Israel

HONG KONG -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government on Wednesday raised the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for Israel to red, in view of the recent violence in the Gaza Strip.

A government spokesman urged Hong Kong residents intending to visit the country to adjust travel plans and avoid non-essential travel. Those already there should exercise caution, attend to personal safety, avoid protests and large gatherings of people, and monitor local announcements on the latest situation.

Residents should also avoid travels to Gaza and nearby areas due to the volatile security situation, the spokesman added.

A violence between Israel and Gaza unveiled about a week ago, leaving more than 100 people killed and over 1,000 wounded.

The Hong Kong Security Bureau will continue to closely monitor the situation and issue updates through the media and the OTA webpage.

The Hong Kong government established the OTA system to help its citizens better understand matters about personal safety when traveling to some 80 popular destinations.

Its color indicates the level of possible security threats, with amber being the lowest, red being the medium and black the highest, under which citizens should avoid all travels to the destination.