PH Embassy calls for non-essential travel to Israel to be postponed indefinitely

The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv on Monday reiterated its call for non-essential travel to Israel to be postponed indefinitely.

In a travel advisory, it said that non-essential travel should be postponed indefinitely or “until the security situation in the country has stabilized."

Such travels include pilgrimages and other tours.

The embassy also discouraged traveling to Israel for volunteer work.

According to the embassy, it will not be responsible for the safety of those who travel as tourists or volunteers in Israel.

“The public is advised to exercise caution and not to fall for any schemes by individuals, organizations, companies, or tour companies organizing tours or pilgrimages to Israel at this time, or encouraging volunteers to work in farms or hospitals,” it said.

Meanwhile, it said that those who attempt to travel under such schemes may be offloaded from their flights.

“The Embassy urges all Filipino citizens to prioritize their safety and security and to heed this advisory until further notice,” it said.

For requests for assistance, the public may contact the embassy through +972-54-466-1188 or email telaviv.pe@dfa.gov.ph.

The embassy’s statement came after more than seven months of war in Gaza.

In May, the International Criminal Court's prosecutor said he had requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defense chief and three Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/world/907396/icc-arrest-warrants-netanyahu-israel-hamas-gaza/story/