OFWs in Israel urged to take precautions amid Hamas attacks, 'state of war'

The Philippine Embassy in Israel instructed Filipinos in the country to adhere to safety precautions amid the attacks carried out by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Saturday, and the subsequent issuance of a “State of War alert” by Israel’s Home Front Command.

In a statement released by the embassy, they advised OFWs living near the Gaza Strip and south Israel to follow the safety guidelines released by the Home Front Command through an instructional video.

“Mahalaga sa Embahada ang inyong kaligtasan at kapakanan. Mag-ingat po tayong lahat,” the statement read.

The Home Front Command guide video reminded citizens to take cover in the innermost rooms or corridors of a building where there are no items that could be shattered by blasts.

The safety precautions or guidelines were issued following Hamas' rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip combined with gunmen crossing the border.

The incident was deemed the most serious attack in years following Israel and Hamas’ 10-day war in 2021, prompting an emergency meeting of Israel security officials led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Meanwhile, The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv, and the Migrant Workers Office–Israel (MWO) were closely monitoring the situation of Filipinos in affected areas.

Filipino community (FilCom) leaders were in touch with their members, all of whom remained calm and were accounted for, and with the Philippine Embassy and MWO.

The DMW and OWWA have set up a 24/7 Task Force Israel Desk for OFWs in Israel and their families with the hotline +63 2 1348, and the following WhatsApp and Viber nos: +63 9083268344 | +63 9271478186 | +63 9205171059.

Meanwhile, an OFW family has sought assistance from the DMW. The department has contacted the concerned OFW, who was safe and sound.

GMA News JP Soriano reported that the Filipino agrostudies students in Israel were all accounted, and the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv had requested authorities to ensure the students' safety. — DVM, GMA Integrated News