Filipinos in war-torn Gaza are now required to evacuate after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised the crisis status to Alert Level 4 amid the attacks between Israel and the militant group Hamas.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega made this announcement on Sunday, Oct. 15, a week since the Hamas’ surprise land and air attacks on several parts of Israel.

In an interview in Quezon City, the DFA official explained that the repatriation of Filipinos from the war-torn city is now mandatory.

De Vega said there were still 131 Filipinos in Gaza.

“Ibig sabihin, nananawagan na tayo sa lahat ng mga kababayan natin sa Gaza: Mandatory na na umuwi kayo (It means we’re calling on our fellowmen in Gaza: It’s now mandatory that you return home),” he said.

“Hindi ibig sabihin na huhulihin namin kayo, pipilitin na umalis ng Gaza, pero ibig sabihin required na kayong umalis (It doesn’t mean we’ll arrest you or force you, but you are now required to leave),” he added.

De Vega hoped Filipinos in Gaza would heed the DFA’s call as the government could not guarantee their safety if they decided to stay.

“Hinihintay din natin na magdesisyon na kayo na umalis na bago magkaroon ng hostilities na— bago sumalakay yung Israel sa Hamas (We’re waiting for you to decide to leave before there are hostilities— before Israel attacks the Hamas),” he said.

De Vega said there was “no way in or out” of Gaza but remained hopeful they could leave the city through Egypt.

So far, three Filipinos have been killed due to the ongoing war in Israel.