RP bars travel to West Bank, Gaza Strip

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 02/20/2009 3:24 PM

The Philippine government on Friday advised all Filipinos against traveling to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip due to the current security situation in those areas.
A statement issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs said the current cease-fire declared by the Israeli government last January 17 remains fragile due to continued rocket fire and air strikes between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. The 22-day Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip left over 1,300 Palestinians dead and over 5,400 wounded.
"Filipinos who travel to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip despite this travel warning do so at their own risk. Without a Philippine Embassy or official representation inside the territory, the Philippine Government will be unable to assist its nationals inside Gaza should violence escalate," the DFA advisory said.
The government earlier assisted in the repatriation of several Filipinos living in Gaza.
as of 02/20/2009 3:24 PM