Five die in holiday isle synagogue blast

At least five people were killed in an explosion at a synagogue on the Tunisian holiday island of Djerba today.

State news agency TAP said the blast was an ‘‘accident.’’

As tensions have escalated in the Middle East, synagogues in Europe, notably in France, have been targeted by attacks.

In the most serious case, a synagogue in Marseille was burned to the ground on March 31.

Djerba, advertised as ‘an island of ten thousand palm trees rising from the sea like a mirage’ is ringed by miles of Mediterranean beaches and luxury hotels.

It is a popular holiday destination for Britons.

About 20 people were injured in the blast at the ornate Ghriba synagogue - one of the oldest in Africa - which attracts Jewish visitors from around the world.