Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 12) — The crisis alert in Gaza has been raised to Alert Level 3 amid the Israel-Hamas war, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega confirmed to CNN Philippines on Thursday.
The alert level means repatriation of Filipinos is now voluntary.
Foreign affairs officials said 70 Filipinos in the Palestinian enclave are now seeking repatriation, as clashes between Israeli forces and Hamas escalate.
The Philippine Embassy in Jordan also affirmed the development. The embassy, which has jurisdiction over Filipinos in Gaza, recommended placing the area under Alert Level 3 on Tuesday.
According to De Vega, the DFA approved the raising of the crisis alert level in Gaza on Wednesday.
Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Wilfredo Santos earlier said he is working with his counterparts in Israel and Egypt to identify possible exit routes from Gaza.
But it remains to be seen how the Philippine government will get Filipinos seeking repatriation out of the enclave immediately, especially as civilians face a \”deepening humanitarian crisis\” due to Israel’s bombardment and \”complete siege\” in the area, according to CNN.
