The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is monitoring the situation of Filipinos in Israel after a “State of War” alert was issued by the Israeli Home Front Command.
In a statement on Saturday, the DMW said they are coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Migrant Workers Office.
“Filipino community (FilCom) leaders are in touch with their members. They report that they remain calm and are accounted for. FilCom leaders remain in contact with the Philippine Embassy and MWO,” the agency said. “Filipinos in Israel are advised to take specific precautionary safety measures and follow the instructions provided by the Israeli Homefront Command.”
A full list of precautionary measures, worded in Filipino, can be found at the Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy of Israel.
The DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have set up a 24/7 Task Force Israel Desk for OFWs in the country and their families.
Concerned relatives can contact the hotline +63 2 1348 or contact these numbers via WhatsApp or Viber: +63 9083268344, +63 9271478186, and +63 9205171059.
The United States on Saturday “unequivocally” condemned attacks by “Hamas terrorists” against Israel and promised to ensure the key US ally has the means to defend itself.
“The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians,” National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement, adding that “there is never any justification for terrorism.” National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has spoken to Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and will remain in close contact with Israeli partners over the operation, according to the statement.
“We stand firmly with the Government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks,” Watson added.
In a separate statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the United States’ “unwavering” commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself.
“Over the coming days the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism,” Austin said.
The Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an air, sea and land attack on Israel Saturday.
Israel said it was at war with Hamas following the surprise dawn attack from the blockaded Gaza Strip that, according to medics, had so far killed at least 40 people.
