Israel Warns Citizens to Return from Sinai

Israel on Thursday urged its citizens traveling in Egypt's Sinai peninsula to return immediately amid warnings of an attack.

The travel warning was based on information alleging militant groups from the Gaza Strip are operating in the area and plan to attack or kidnap Israeli tourists.

Thursday's travel warning was issued by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.

Once a popular destination for Israeli tourists, Sinai has become increasingly lawless since the ouster of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

Israel believes that al-Qaida operatives have infiltrated the area and accuses Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip of staging attacks from neighboring Sinai.