Updated

The State Department renewed its warning to U.S. citizens to defer travel to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, because of continuing violence in the region.

The warning issued Friday also said Americans already in the region should travel to Old City Jerusalem only during daytime, Saturday through Thursday.

The State Department announcement comes after Palestinian suicide bombings killed 25 in Jerusalem and Haifa last weekend, which prompted a wave of Israeli retaliation against Palestinians.

The warning also notes that U.S. government personnel are under tight security controls. They are prohibited from traveling to the West Bank, Gaza and Jerusalem, depending on current security conditions.

Americans should exercise extreme caution and avoid restaurants and cafes, shopping areas, malls, public buses, bus stops, the State Department said.

The warning reiterates State Department announcements issued in January and August.