Israel records 126 more coronavirus cases as total nears 2,500

Israel has recorded a further 126 Covid-19 cases overnight, bringing the total to 2,495 in a country that is regarded as having one of the world’s best anti-virus campaigns.

So far five Israelis and a Palestinian woman have died from the virus, and 41 are in a serious condition.

One of the biggest concerns is its spread in the Palestinian communities of the West Bank and Gaza.

Overnight seven more cases have been reported from Gaza, the most densely populated area on earth, and where sanitary conditions are dire after years of deprivation from war and sanctions.

Most places of worship are closed in Jerusalem — the latest is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, traditionally the centre of Easter celebrations.

Measures to tackle the spread of the virus include a phone app which monitors a user’s health and warns of any Covid outbreaks nearby.

It comes as premier Benjamin Netanyahu could be forced out after more than 10 years in the job.