Cirque du Soleil cancels visit to Israel over conflict

CirqueduSoleilhas cancelled performances ofQuidamin Tel Aviv over theviolence raging in the Gaza Strip and Israel.

The Montral-based troupe was supposed to perform fromAug.6 to 21 at the city's Nokia Arena.

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Promoters decided to call off those dates Wednesdayciting security fears for artists and audience members.

In a statement on their website, Israeli promotersMarek Lieberberg and Shuki Weiss wrote:"Unfortunately it is impossible to secure the safety of the ensemble and the audience at this time. Hence we have no choice but to look forward to an alternative and peaceful period to return to Israel as soon as we can."

Cirque du Soleil is just the latest act to pull dates in the region over the conflict.

Last week, Canadian rocker Neil Young cancelled his gig in Tel Aviv's Hayarkon Park for the same reasons.

Then, earlier this week, the Canadian crooner Paul Anka and pop group Backstreet Boys cancelled their tours in the country.

The high-profile NBC series Dig - by Homeland producer Gideon Raff - officially moved production from Jerusalem to Albuquerque, N.M. due to security concerns.

The Israeli military launched its offensive in Gaza on July 8 with the declared intention of stopping rocket fire from Hamas militants in the strip.