PH Embassy in Qatar advises Filipinos to remain calm, be vigilant

The Philippine Embassy in Qatar urged Filipinos to be calm and vigilant after Israel attacked Hamas officials in Doha.

"In view of recent developments in Doha, the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in the State of Qatar urges all Filipino nationals to remain calm, monitor news from credible sources, and heed the advice of local authorities," the embassy announced.

"Stay indoors and avoid public spaces unless absolutely necessary."

Reuters reported that Israel launched an attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar on Tuesday, expanding its military actions that have ranged across the Middle East to include the Gulf Arab state where the Palestinian Islamist group has long had its political base.

Qatar, which has acted as a mediator alongside Egypt in talks on a ceasefire in the almost two-year-old war in Gaza, condemned the action as "cowardly" and called it a flagrant violation of international law.

Two Hamas sources told Reuters that Hamas officials in the ceasefire negotiating team survived the attack.

Israeli officials told Reuters the strike was aimed at top Hamas leaders including Khalil al-Hayya, its exiled Gaza chief and top negotiator. — BAP, GMA Integrated News