The suspension of travel to Israel, as its war with Hamas continues to claim lhundreds of lives from both sides, has been recommended by the Philippine Embassy in Israel.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine Embassy in Israel issued a travel advisory suggesting "that all travel from the Philippines to Israel be postponed indefinitely, or until such time that the situation has stabilized."
The recommendation came "in view of the volatile security situation" there, as seven Filipinos are now already reported to be missing or uncontactable after Israel launched retaliation to the militant group's surprise and deadly attack over the weekend.
Meanwhile, no Filipino in Israel has so far requested for repatriation, according to DFA. But in Gaza Strip, which is now bearing the brunt of Israel's retaliation, 25 of the 137 Filipinos there already asked to return to the Philippines.
"Numbers may change as some are still undecided," Ma. Teresita Daza, DFA spokesperson, added.
At least 22 Filipinos were already rescued by Israeli authorities following the attack. The DFA also reported that one Filipino was feared to be taken hostage by Hamas and was brought to Gaza as his wife saw him in a video circulating on social media being held captive by the group.