The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is keeping an eye on the predicament of Filipinos living in Israel after the Israeli Home Front Command issued a “State of War” notice.
The DMW stated in a statement on Saturday that they are coordinating with the Migrant Workers Office and the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv.
Leaders of the Filipino community (FilCom) communicate with their constituents. They state that they are in good spirits and safe. Leaders of FilCom keep in touch with MWO and the Philippine Embassy, according to the agency. “Filipinos in Israel are advised to take specific precautionary safety measures and follow the instructions provided by the Israeli Homefront Command.”
On the Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy to Israel, there is a comprehensive list of safety precautions that is written in Filipino.
For OFWs in the nation and their families, the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have established a 24/7 Task Force Israel Desk.
Family members who are worried should call the hotline at +63 2 1348 or text the following numbers to +63 9083268344, +63 9271478186, or +63 9205171059.
On Saturday, the US “unequivocally” denounced assaults carried out by “Hamas terrorists” against Israel and vowed to make sure the vital US ally has the capabilities to defend itself.
There is never any justification for terrorism, National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement. “The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians.” According to the statement, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has spoken with Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and will keep in constant contact with Israeli allies regarding the operation.
“We stand firmly with the Government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks,” Watson stated.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the “unwavering” American commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense in a different statement.
“Over the coming days the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism,” Austin stated.
On Saturday, the Palestinian militant organization Hamas attacked Israel from the air, sea, and land.
Following the unexpected dawn strike from the blockaded Gaza Strip, which according to medics has already claimed at least 40 lives, Israel declared that it was at war with Hamas.
