Netanyahu cancels Colombia trip, citing Gaza situation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cancelled a trip to Colombia planned for next week due to the situation around the Gaza Strip, an Israeli official said today.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, did not give further details. Netanyahu was due to travel to the Latin American country from 6-9 August.

Tensions have been high in recent weeks along the border between Israel and Gaza. Netanyahu has also been hit by a political crisis over a law defining Israel as a Jewish state, which has drawn protests from its Arab minority and left-wing opposition.

On Wednesday, Israel said it was stopping shipments of fuel and gas to the Gaza Strip.

Palestinians in besieged Gaza suffer up to 20 hours of power cuts per day due to fuel shortages.

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