Israel has evacuated its diplomatic staff from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and issued a terror threat warning to its citizens in the Gulf region.

According to Israeli media, Israel’s National Security Council on Thursday issued a travel advisory for its citizens, prompting most of the diplomatic staff in the United Arab Emirates to begin preparations for departure.

“We are emphasising this travel warning given our understanding that terrorist organisations are increasing their efforts to harm Israel,” the NSC said in a statement.

The council specifically warned that Israelis and Jewish people in the UAE could be targeted, particularly during Jewish holidays.

The Israeli foreign ministry spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The UAE’s Foreign Ministry also did not immediately issue a statement.

It is worth mentioning that Jews will celebrate the holiday of Tisha B’Av on August 2-3, during which most Jews observe a fast.

The presence of the Israeli and Jewish communities in the UAE became more prominent after 2020, when the UAE signed the Abraham Accords, establishing formal relations with Israel under a US mediation.