DFA raises alert level in Israel, West Bank

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos planning to go to Israel on pilgrimage were advised by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday to defer their travel as Alert Level 2 was raised in that country and the West Bank.

The alert level was raised due to threats to security posed by the continued armed conflict between Israel and the Palestinians’ Hamas.

Alert Level 2, which means restriction phase, is issued when there are real threats to the life, security and property of Filipinos arising from internal disturbance, instability and external threats. Filipinos are instructed to restrict non-essential movements, avoid open spaces and prepare for evacuation.

The DFA said there is a deployment ban for newly hired workers to Israel.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said Alert Level 2 discourages non-essential travel.

“If you think your travel is not essential then might as well not go ahead with it,” Jose said. “We discourage non-essential travel to keep them out of harm’s way, but the ultimate decision is theirs.”

The DFA said a majority of the estimated 36,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel are caregivers.

On the other hand, Alert Level 4 or mandatory repatriation of Filipinos remains over Gaza.

The DFA raised on Saturday Alert Level 4 in Gaza, citing threats to security posed by the Israel-Hamas conflict to Filipinos in the region.

The Philippine government continues to implement mandatory repatriation of Filipino nationals from Gaza.

The DFA continues to closely monitor developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The DFA said more Filipinos in the Gaza Strip might avail of the Philippine government’s repatriation program after Israel launched a ground offensive over the weekend.

Jose said most of the Filipinos in Gaza, married to Palestinians, opted to stay behind. – Sheila Crisostomo