Filipinos in Israel advised to avoid some areas amid tension

The Philippine Embassy in Israel on Monday advised Filipinos to avoid some areas due to security concerns amid the tension in the Middle East.

In an advisory, the Philippine embassy said the Filipinos in Israel should avoid the following areas:

• Jerusalem (??Temple Mount, ??Damascus Gate??, Herod's Gate, ??Al Wad Road, ??Musrara Road, ??and the vicinity of East Jerusalem)
• ??West Bank
• areas near the border of Gaza and Lebanon
• Golan Heights
• areas near to sensitive installations such as military base or outpost as well as power and water facilities

Filipinos are discouraged from going to crowded places like malls and markets for non-essential activities, as well as from attending big gatherings such as concerts, rallies, and festivals.

They are also advised to avoid or leave areas with ongoing disturbance and violence.

“Sa unang senyales ng panganib, lumikas kaagad at tumungo sa ligtas na lugar. Kung ‘di malayo ang patutunguhan, tingnan kung puwede mag-bisikleta, mag-electric scooter, o maglakad gamit ang di matataong ruta,” the embassy said.

(At the first sign of danger, evacuate immediately and head to a safe place. If the destination is not far, see if you can ride a bicycle, ride an electric scooter, or walk using uncrowded routes.)

Filipinos should be cautious and vigilant when taking public transportation like buses and trains, according to the embassy.

“??Huwag lumapit sa mga Israeli security forces na naka-puwesto sa mga sensitibong lugar.?? Sumunod sa mga tagubilin ng Israeli security forces at ng Home Front Command,” the embassy added.

(Do not approach Israeli security forces stationed in sensitive areas. Follow the instructions of the Israeli security forces and the Home Front Command.)

Reuters reported that Israel bombed Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip on Sunday ahead of the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks by Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Since October 7, the Israeli government says Hamas have killed around 1,200 people and have taken 250 people hostage. Meanwhile, Palestinian health authorities said Israeli offensives in Gaza have killed almost 42,000 people.

Last week, Iran launched a missile attack on Israel in response to Tel Aviv’s operations in Lebanon and Gaza.

As of April, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Alert Level 2 is maintained in Israel. The DFA raised Alert Level 2 in Israel in October last year following the attack of the Palestinian group.

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.—AOL, GMA Integrated News