The Philippine government will consider lifting the ban on the deployment of Filipinos to parts of Israel once the situation in the Gaza Strip has stabilized, Vice President Jejomar Binay said.

But until that time, Binay said the ban stays.

Binay appealed for understanding, as the Israeli Ambassador and other sectors pressed for the lifting of the deployment ban.

“We hope they will understand that lives are at risk, including those of Filipinos,” he said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued Alert level 4 for Gaza City in Palestine that seeks mandatory repatriation of Filipinos.

Under the same order, DFA issued Alert Level 2 (restriction Phase) for Central and Southern Israel, banning the deployment of OFWs in these locations.

Likewise, a travel advisory was issued warning Filipinos against traveling to Gaza and to defer travel to Central and Southern Israel.

There is no travel ban on Israel but tourists are advised to take necessary precaution.*