ROME, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Italian flagship carrier ITA Airways on Monday announced it would temporarily halt air travel between Italy and Israel.

Due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, ITA Airways said Monday that it would halt flights between the Italian capital and Tel Aviv in Israel until at least Nov. 1. The airline said it could extend the stoppage further if tensions continue to rise.

According to ITA Airways, it was following recommendations from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which were aimed at "preserving the safety of passengers and crew."

It is the second time in three months that ITA Airways cancelled flights from Italy to Israel, following a brief four-day halt of the airline's flights in August.

Also on Monday, local media reports said the northern Italian city of Udine was "locked down" by more than 1,000 law enforcement officials as Italy hosted Israel in a soccer match.

Police blocked off blocks around a stadium, with only residents and ticket holders allowed to enter the area. Scattered pro-Palestine protests occurred around the cordoned-off area. Enditem

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