THE Philippine Embassy in Israel advised Filipinos to postpone or avoid going to the West Bank which includes Bethlehem, Jericho and Hebron, and other areas until September 27 due to security concerns.
In an advisory, the embassy also advised Filipinos to steer clear of Jerusalem, Temple Mount, Damascus Gate, Herod’s Gate, Al Wad Road, Musrara Road, areas around East Jerusalem, Golan Heights, and areas near the border of Gaza and Lebanon in the north.
The embassy’s advisory came amid continuing tension between Israeli security forces and Palestinians after last week’s clashes in the West Bank that killed a Palestinian teenager. A Israeli army officer was also killed when two Palestinian gunmen opened fire in West Bank.
There are about 30,000 Filipinos living and working in Israel, with the majority concentrated in Jerusalem, Haifa and Tel Aviv.
“Be careful and observant of your surroundings,” the embassy said in an advisory.
The advisory also reminded Filipinos not to take photographs or videos or go near an ongoing clash or violent incident, adding that they should instead hide or leave the area.
It also asked Filipinos to avoid going to crowded areas and to be careful when in public transportation.
In case of emergency or if they need immediate assistance, Filipinos can contact the embassy’s emergency hotline – +972544661188, or the Magen David at 101, IDF Home Front Command 104, Police 100, Israeli Electric Corporation and Municipality Call Center at 103 and 106 to 108 hotlines.
