DFA monitors situation in Israel amid tensions

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) continues to monitor the situation of Filipinos in Israel amid the ongoing tensions in Jerusalem.

“The Department is monitoring developments in the concerned areas. The Department is closely coordinating with the Philippine Embassies in Tel Aviv and in Amman to be updated on the security situation in these areas, as well as the safety of Filipinos living in Israel, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank,” it said Tuesday.

In an April 14 advisory, the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv asked Filipinos in the country to refrain from going to Bethlehem, Jericho, and Hebron in the West Bank as well as Temple Mount, Damascus Gate, Herod’s Gate, Al Wad Road, Musrara Road, and the surrounding areas in East Jerusalem.

The advisory is in effect from April 14 to May 1.

The United Nations said roughly 180 Palestinians, including at least 27 children last week were injured by Israeli forces during tensions around the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, a site that is important to both Muslims and Jews.

The report follows a series of clashes between Israeli and Palestinian forces since early this month against the backdrop of the rare confluence of key Muslim, Jewish, and Christian holy days.