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CNN Live Today

U.S. Warns Americans in Israel

Aired July 24, 2002 - 12:21   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Israel says it wants to improve conditions for the Palestinians, just one day after an Israeli missile attack killed 15 people in Gaza City. Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres today called the attack a mistake, and announced the easing of restrictions.

Joining us now with the latest from Jerusalem -- CNN's Chris Burns.

CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Kyra.

Perhaps the first thing I had to show you is something we just got on the fax about an hour ago, is a warning from the U.S. Consulate here to all Americans in Israel to be extremely careful, that the Americans and the Israelis are taking very seriously the threat by Hamas to launch a series of attacks as a result of that attack that killed their military leader, Salah Shehade, just two nights ago.

Included on the warnings, they urge Americans -- the U.S. Consulate is urging Americans to exercise a high degree of caution in going to any kind of restaurants or cafes. U.S. citizens should routinely vary their driving routes and times, and they are prohibited from using public buses, at least among the U.S. Consulate personnel and their families.

So the U.S. taking very seriously this threat, and this threat following growing and growing anger among Palestinians in Gaza after that attack. Just take a look at the latest pictures that we have, where we see the rescue workers pulling the body of a small girl out of the rubble. It was extremely moving for a lot of Palestinians, and that is why they are extremely upset about that.

We have reaction from both the Israelis and the Palestinians on this attack. The Israelis saying that they regret, but they also defend.

Kyra -- back to you.

PHILLIPS: All right, Chris Burns, thank you. We will continue to check in with you on that story, of course, as it develops.

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