The US State Department on Thursday issued a rare “worldwide caution” for US citizens, giving no specific reasons, as tension has grown over the Israel-Gaza war in the Middle East.
“Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against US citizens and interests, the Department of State advises US citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” the warning read.
A militant attack in southern Israel sparked a new war between Hamas and Israel.
About 1,400 people were killed in Israel on October 7, and at least 3,700 people in Gaza have been killed in retaliatory Israeli strikes since.
Protests, including at US embassies, swept cities in the Middle East and beyond after a blast at a hospital in Gaza.
Local authorities said more than 470 people were killed in an Israeli air strike. Israel has denied the claim and said Islamic Jihad militants launched a failed rocket attack that hit the hospital.
The last time the US has issued a “worldwide caution” alert was in August 2022, after the death of Al Qaeda leader Ayman Al Zawahiri from a US drone strike in Afghanistan.
The State Department advised American citizens to be “alert in locations frequented by tourists” and sign up for emergency alerts from embassies.
“We're monitoring conditions around the world from our conditions in the region,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.
"We take a number of factors into consideration when making that determination. It's not necessarily any one thing, but everything that we're watching around the world."
In the Middle East, the Department has elevated its travel advisory for Lebanon, suggesting that US citizens make plans to leave the country or avoid travel there.
“Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Lebanon,” its warning read.
“The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the protection of US citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence.”
The department is also offering evacuation routes for US citizens in Israel and the West Bank, while diplomatic negotiations continue for the safe departure of Americans in Gaza.
Other western countries, including Canada, Germany and the UK, have also advised people to avoid travel to Lebanon.
Saudi Arabia said its citizens should leave Lebanon.
Jihan Abdalla contributed reporting from Washington
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
The biog
Fatima Al Darmaki is an Emirati widow with three children
She has received 46 certificates of appreciation and excellence throughout her career
She won the 'ideal mother' category at the Minister of Interior Awards for Excellence
Her favourite food is Harees, a slow-cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled wheat berries mixed with chicken
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League quarter-final second leg:
Juventus 1 Ajax 2
Ajax advance 3-2 on aggregate
Hydrogen: Market potential
Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.
"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.
Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.
The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
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Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour Calendar 2018/19
July 29: OTA Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan
Sep 22-23: LA Convention Centre in Los Angeles, US
Nov 16-18: Carioca Arena Centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Feb 7-9: Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mar 9-10: Copper Box Arena in London, UK
Biography
Her family: She has four sons, aged 29, 27, 25 and 24 and is a grandmother-of-nine
Favourite book: Flashes of Thought by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Favourite drink: Water
Her hobbies: Reading and volunteer work
Favourite music: Classical music
Her motto: I don't wait, I initiate
