Alert level 3 raised, voluntary repatriation of Filipinos in Gaza Strip urged

AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Amid Israel’s air attacks on Gaza Strip, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday advised Filipinos to leave Gaza Strip and return to the country.

“In view of the growing threats to security posed by the Israel-Hamas conflict to Filipinos in the Gaza Strip, the Department of Foreign Affairs has raised Alert Level 3 (Voluntary Repatriation) in the Gaza Strip,” a DFA advisory said.

The agency said the Philippine embassies in Cairo, Tel Aviv and Amman will assist Filipinos who are ready to leave the area.

“These Embassies continue to be in close contact with Filipinos in Gaza,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Alert Level 1 or precautionary phase is still raised in the West Bank, southern and central Israel.

Earlier, Israel ordered residents of northern Gaza to flee their homes as the military is poised to strike with heavier force.

The United Nations Security Council has called for a ceasefire but Israeli military has intensified its operations in pursuit of Islamist Hamas movement members.

Meanwhile, Hamas warned of a rocket assault on Tel Aviv as the crisis in Gaza Strip continues.

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