FO warning on Gaza Strip travel

FO officials says security in Gaza may get worse

The Foreign Office (FO) has warned Britons against all travel to Gaza, including Gaza City, after the murder of Yasser Arafat's cousin.

Officials have warned that Gaza has become increasingly unsafe in recent days. The shooting followed a series of kidnappings of Westerners.

The FO had previously advised people against "all but essential travel" to Gaza City at night.

On 8 August a British national was kidnapped and released on the same day.

Strengthened advice

Former security chief Moussa Arafat was killed on Wednesday and his son kidnapped after gunmen stormed into his heavily-guarded home.

The BBC's Alan Johnston says Mr Arafat's assassination is a further sign of the tensions and lawlessness in Gaza, as the Israeli troops and settlers withdraw from the territory.

A 5 September explosion in Gaza City killed four people, injuring at least 20 others.

As part of their strengthened travel advice, FO Officials warn that the security situation in Gaza "may deteriorate further".