Philippine Embassy closes after Hamas rocket attacks vs. Israel

The Philippine Embassy in Israel announced early Sunday (PH time) that it will be closed beginning Sunday, October 8 "until further notice."

"The public is advised that the Philippine Embassy will be CLOSED beginning Sunday, 08 October 2023, and until further notice, due to the current security situation," it said in a post on Facebook.

"For emergencies, please contact the Embassy’s emergency number, +972-54-4661188," it added.

On Saturday the embassy instructed Filipinos in Israel 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, the Philippine Embassy 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.

(Your safety and well-being is important to the Embassy. Let us all take care.)

On Saturday, Hamas launched its biggest attack on Israel in years, Reuters reported.

At least 22 people were killed and more than 250 were wounded as gunmen entered Israeli towns and rockets were fired from the Gaza strip. The death toll was expected to rise.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate.

The Israeli military then launched air strikes into Gaza, and witnesses said there were heavy explosions, resulting in at least two deaths.

Israeli media reported militants held Israelis hostage in Ofakim, and there were gunfights between Palestinians and Israelis in southern Israel.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Gallant authorized the call-up of military reservists. —KG, GMA Integrated News