MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday, November 23, issued an advisory against traveling to Gaza and parts of Israel due to armed conflict in the area.

“Due to the ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Department of Foreign Affairs strongly advises Filipinos to defer travel to Gaza and Central and Southern Israel,” the DFA said in a two-paragraph statement.

The DFA said it will inform the public of further developments. 

A ceasefire was implemented in Gaza on Wednesday, November 21, afer Israel and Hamas reached an agreement. Both sides celebrated the truce. 

The conflict has killed over 150 people.

In an interview on Rappler’s #TalkThursday on November 22, Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Menashe Bar-On said he hopes the Gaza ceasefire will trigger change for the better. “We hope this ceasefire will give wisdom to the Palestinians. Give them the wisdom to ask those leading, controlling the nation to change their way,” said Bar-On, speaking to Rappler executive editor and CEO Maria Ressa. (Watch more in the video below.)

Bar-On also confirmed reports that the Hamas Group is stopping foreigners from leaving Gaza and is using civilians as human shieflds. 

But the ambassador also expressed hope that other Palestinians in Gaza will urge authorities to work for progress, not destruction. “The Palestinians can have their peace also,” said Bar-On. – Rappler.com