PHL downgrades security alerts for Israel, Palestine, Gaza

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday lowered the security alert level for Israel, Palestine and Gaza Strip, citing improved security situation in these areas after months of armed conflict.

From alert level 2 or restriction phase, the DFA now maintains alert level 1 or precautionary phase for Israel and West Bank.

The DFA also lowered the alert level in Gaza Strip from alert level 4 or mandatory repatriation to alert level 2 or restriction phase.

“The security situation in Israel and Palestine has greatly improved since the implementation of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose told a press briefing.

On August 26, Palestinian officials announced that a Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel has been reached under Egyptian mediation.

Hamas, the dominant militant group in the Gaza Strip, accused Israel of an "unprecedented act of revenge against civilians" aimed at deterring Palestinians from supporting the Islamist movement.

Israel has said Hamas bears responsibility for civilian casualties, because it operates among non-combatants. The group, it said, uses schools and mosques to store weapons and as launch sites for rockets.

“These nothwithstanding, the DFA maintains alert level 1 in Israel since it still faces external threat to security,” Jose said, adding all Filipinos there are still urged to take the necessary precautions.

Jose explained that alert level 2 is maintained in Gaza due to the humanitarian situation in the territory.

The decision to lift the deployment ban on Israel and West Bank based on the new alert levels, on the other hand, lies with the governing board of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

Thousands of homes in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed or damaged in the conflict. The Palestinian Center for Human Rights said 540,000 people had been displaced in the territory where Palestinians, citing Israeli attacks that have hit schools and mosques, say no place is safe. —with Reuters/KBK, GMA News

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