The once bustling streets of Jerusalem's Old City have fallen eerily quiet, with the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas keeping away tourists and their much-needed cash. While many flights to Israel have been suspended and tour packages cancelled, a few tourists managed to reach the largely deserted Old City.
The normally teeming streets of Jerusalem's Old City have been emptied by the war in Gaza.. Photo: FADEL SENNA / AFPThe once bustling streets of Jerusalem's Old City have fallen eerily quiet, with the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas keeping away tourists and their much-needed cash.
"There is no tourism industry any more," said Marwan Attieh, 48, a third-generation tour guide and souvenir shop owner.Tensions are high in the Old City, part of occupied East Jerusalem, with this off duty soldier choosing to go out armed.. Photo: FADEL SENNA / AFPThe walled Old City in annexed east Jerusalem is home to some of the holiest sites for Christians, Jews and Muslims and has drawn pilgrims and travellers for centuries.
"Before, this place was really alive, full of people praying and offering their problems to God and in general very spiritual," said Pietro Mazzocco, a 31-year-old Italian seminary student studying in Jerusalem.The Old City usually draws worshippers from Judaism, Islam and Christianity to its multiple holy sites.. Photo: FADEL SENNA / AFPWhile many flights to Israel have been suspended and tour packages cancelled, a few tourists managed to reach the largely deserted Old City.
"It's a bit weird, nobody is in the streets," he told AFP, adding that he had been stopped several times by Israeli police since arriving.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bolivia cuts ties with Israel over Gaza strikes, others recall envoysMinister of the Presidency Maria Nela Prada also announced the country was sending humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Read more »
US, Israel Mull Having Multinational Force Oversee Gaza When War EndsSouth Africa Today, News source, provides breaking news on South Africa, world, Africa, sport, travel and more.
Read more »
Oil edges higher with focus on Israel-Hamas war, shaky demandBrent for January settlement gained 0.5% to $85.43 a barrel at 11:24 a.m. in Singapore.
Read more »
Possible Saudi-Israel Normalization Talks Should Include Palestinian DealSouth Africa Today, News source, provides breaking news on South Africa, world, Africa, sport, travel and more.
Read more »
Egypt Bans Mada Masr Website for 6 Months Over Report On Israel-Gaza WarThe Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR) to revoke its six-month ban on the independent news website Mada Masr over its reporting on the Israel-Gaza war and to reverse its decision to refer the outlet for prosecution.
Read more »
USA and Israel to slaughter as many Gazans as need: No limit in civilian casualtiesSouth Africa Today, News source, provides breaking news on South Africa, world, Africa, sport, travel and more.
Read more »