JERUSALEM (JTA) — A Palestinian mufti said Muslim law forbids hugging and kissing anyone who may have been exposed to swine flu, as West Bank cases continue to rise.
The mufti of Nablus on Thursday said Palestinians should not hug or kiss anyone returning from trips abroad for fear of passing on the virus.
Eleven new cases of swine flu have been diagnosed in the Palestinian Authority since Wednesday night, bringing the total number to 40, according to Palestinian reports.
Swine flu has not to spread to Gaza due to the blockade.
There have been 542 cases of swine flu diagnosed in Israel, 73 on Wednesday, including 37 soldiers.
