German soldiers touring Israel
Photo: Israel Peretz
German tourism group TUI Deutschland, part of Europe's largest tour operator TUI Travel, said it was cancelling tours around Israel until July 31 due to the current situation in the country.
Tensions between Israel and Palestinian militants groups have been building up to the most serious hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza since the eight-day Operation Pillar of Defense in 2012.
TUI Deutschland, which says holidays to Israel make up only a very small part of its business, said on Thursday it would contact customers who have booked tours around Israel for the period until end-July. Those who have booked package vacations or hotel rooms during that time are asked to reconsider their plans.
It said it would not accept new bookings for Israel for arrivals in the coming three weeks.
The German foreign office has warned its citizens not to travel to the Gaza Strip and recommends avoiding areas within 40 kilometers of Gaza.