Canada has warned citizens to avoid all travel to Israel, Gaza and the West Bank, upgrading its risk assessment of the region due to the increased threat of attacks on Israeli territory.

Foreign Minister Melanie Joly posted a statement on social media site X late on Friday and said Canadians already in the area should consider leaving by commercial means.

"With a heightened risk of attacks on Israeli territory, the regional security situation remains highly volatile & could escalate without notice," Joly posted.

The federal government had previously advised Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to the region.

U.S. President Joe Biden said on Friday that he expected Iran to attack Israel "sooner, rather than later" and warned Tehran not to proceed. REUTERS