Pinoys in Israel warned vs. going to West Bank

The Philippine Embassy in Israel advised Filipinos to remain vigilant and avoid or postpone traveling to the West Bank due to ongoing tensions in the area.

"Maging maingat at mapagmatyag sa paligid; Iwasan o ipagpaliban ang pagpunta sa West Bank (Bethlehem, Jericho, Hebron, etc.)," the embassy said in an advisory.

(Be careful and vigilant. Avoid or postpone trips to the West Bank [Bethlehem, Jericho, Hebron, etc.].)

"Umiwas din sa mga sumusunod na lugar sa Jerusalem, simula ngayong araw [April 21] hanggang sa ika-03 ng Mayo: Temple Mount; Damascus Gate; Herod's Gate; Al Wad Road; Musrara Road; at Paligid ng East Jerusalem," it added.

(Avoid going to these areas in Jerusalem starting April 21 until May 3.)

The embassy also advised Filipinos to avoid or postpone going to Golan Heights, areas near the border of Lebanon, and the border of Gaza.

Tensions between Israeli security forces and Palestinian militants heightened starting last month with casualties on both sides.

At least 152 Palestinians were injured inside Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound on April 15 during clashes with Israeli riot police. 

Fresh clashes erupted on April 22 at the same site, with at least 57 Palestinians injured. 

Three rockets were fired toward Israel from the Gaza Strip that day, prompting Israel to close the crossing to Gaza. 

The Philippine Embassy said Filipinos should hide or take cover and immediately leave the area should there be any shooting or clash in their area.

"Huwag na huwag kukuha ng litrato/video, o mag-usyoso sa nagaganap na kaguluhan o karahasan dahil ito ay delikado," it added.

(Don't take photos or videos or check on what is happening because it would be dangerous.)

The embassy also advised Filipinos to avoid or postpone going to any crowded place or popular meeting place.

It also said Filipinos should be careful when taking public transportation or even when waiting at bus stops — one can stay a few meters away or stand behind the station or metal or cement barriers.

The embassy also advised Filipinos not to approach Israeli security forces deployed in sensitive areas mentioned above.

It also advised Filipinos to follow the guidelines of Israeli security forces and the Israel Home Front Command and seek help when needed.

Filipinos may call the embassy hotline at +972544661188 for emergency assistance, it added. —KG, GMA News