Filipinos Stranded in Israel Amid Conflict, Israeli Ambassador Confirms

According to Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss, a total of 22 Filipinos who were on official travel to Israel are currently stranded in the country due to the ongoing conflict and airstrikes involving Iran.

These individuals include 17 local government officials from the Philippines who were on an official visit, as well as a group of dairy industry specialists. The group was in Israel for an agricultural technology training program that began on June 10 and was scheduled to conclude on June 20.

Ambassador Fluss reassured that the Filipino travelers are being taken care of by the Israeli government, providing them with food, lodging, and other necessities. Efforts are also underway to facilitate their safe return to the Philippines.

Fluss mentioned that the Israeli government is currently working on repatriating the stranded Filipinos by coordinating with relevant agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Migrant Workers. Due to the airspace restrictions in Israel, alternative routes are being explored to ensure the safe return of the affected individuals.

In the event that any of the Filipinos are injured during the conflict, Fluss assured that they would receive full medical support and compensation from the Israeli government. He emphasized the commitment of Israel to ensure the welfare of all individuals within its borders, regardless of nationality.

Furthermore, Fluss highlighted the strong government-to-government relationship between Israel and the Philippines, emphasizing the open channels of communication and cooperation between the two nations to address such situations.

For those in need of assistance, emergency contact numbers are available for Filipinos in Israel, despite the closure of the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv in compliance with IDF guidelines.