Israel remains under Alert Level 2, says DFA

The Philippine government has maintained its Alert Level 2 declaration for Israel following the retaliatory strike of Iran over the weekend.

"The Philippine Government confirms that its previous declaration of Alert Level 2 for the State of Israel, restricting further deployments of Overseas Filipino Workers there, remains in place," the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement on Wednesday.

Alert Level 2 is issued if there are real threats to the life, security, and property of Filipinos arising from internal disturbance, instability, or external threat.

The DFA raised Alert Level 2 in Israel in October last year following the attack of Palestinian militant group Hamas.

According to the DFA, the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv is recommending that all non-essential travel from the Philippines to Israel be postponed indefinitely, or until such time that the situation has stabilized. 

"If travel to Israel is absolutely necessary, Filipinos are advised to follow all precautions," it said. 

Filipinos in Israel are also advised to be alert and updated with the security pronouncements of their host governments. 

For contingency planning purposes, they are encouraged to coordinate with their overseas community leaders and our Philippine embassies or consulates. 

Iran launched attacks against Israel on Saturday using drones and missiles in retaliation for an alleged Israeli air strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 1. 

Israel's supposed attack in Damascus reportedly killed seven Iranian military advisers, including three senior commanders.

Meanwhile, the Iranian attack caused modest damage in Israel as most of the missiles and drones were shot down by Israel's Iron Dome defense system with the help of US, Britain, France, and Jordan, according to a Reuters report. 

The Philippines has expressed concern over the tensions between Israel and Iran and urged parties to work on resolving the conflict.

"We urge all parties to refrain from escalating the situation and to work towards a peaceful resolution of their conflict," the DFA said in an earlier statement.

"The Philippines has long advocated for all states to adhere to the principles of international law and to the peaceful settlement of disputes," it added. 

The DFA earlier said it is ready to provide assistance for the possible repatriation of Filipinos amid the ongoing tension between Israel and Iran.

There are about 30,000 and 2,000 Filipinos in Israel and Iran, respectively. —KBK, GMA Integrated News