The Philippine Embassy in Israel is recommending the indefinite suspension of all travel from the Philippines to Israel due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle Eastern country.
The embassy said that the volatile security situation in Israel and that trips should be postponed indefinitely “or until such time that the situation has stabilized.”
“Those with confirmed flights, however, are advised to check with their travel agency for possible flight cancellations,” the embassy said in a statement on Sunday.
The Department of Foreign Affairs says that six Filipinos are still ‘unaccounted for’ following the deadly attacks launched by the terrorist group Hamas last weekend.
The DFA said that two Filipinos were injured while being evacuated.
“1 is being treated in a hospital in Be’ersheva for moderate injuries sustained during the rescue and 1 was initially treated for smoke inhalation and was thereafter and now resting in a hotel here in Tel Aviv,” the DFA said in an update.
The DFA adds that 20 Filipinos have been rescued and evacuated to safe areas and shelters.
“Six Filipinos remain unaccounted for who cannot be contacted via their mobile number and social media accounts,” the DFA said citing reports from the Philippine Embassy in Israel.
“The Embassy is working non-stop with Israeli security authorities and community contacts to ascertain their condition. We continue to await feedback from them,” the DFA added.
The Embassy is also trying to verify reports of a Filipino being held hostage by the terrorist group.
“1 Filipina from the PHL reached out to the Embassy and said that she recognized her husband in one of the videos circulating in social media which shows a man being held by armed individuals, most likely brought to Gaza,” the DFA said.
