Filipinos in Israel safe, says DFA

SOME 41,000 Filipinos in Israel are “relatively safe” as violence escalated between the government and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Saturday.

DFA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez said the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv assured Filipinos in Israel of its readiness to help them get out of danger zones after heavy fighting erupted in the Hamas-ruled strip.

Hernandez said some 100 Filipinos live in Gaza which was bombarded by Israeli jets after Hamas militants launched rocket attacks on Israel.

“There are about 100 Filipinos and members of their families in Gaza.  The Philippine government remains ready to assist them in getting out of harm’s way in light of the evolving situation there,” said Hernandez.

“The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv has likewise advised the Filipino community in Israel to be alert and ready for contingencies if the situation escalates,” he added.

He said the Filipinos in Israel, who work mostly as caregivers, stay in houses that are “relatively safe and have bomb shelters.”

Latest reports showed a possible mobilization of Israeli ground troops into Gaza.