The Philippine government is considering voluntary repatriation for Filipinos in the Gaza Strip in response to the ongoing conflict between Israeli security forces and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, a Foreign Affairs official said on Tuesday.

During the Malacañang press briefing, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said the Philippine Embassy has already suggested to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the idea of elevating Gaza to Alert Level 3.

"The embassy has recommended making Gaza Alert Level 3, which means voluntary repatriation, a restricted area without a formal announcement yet," de Vega said.

"But, we are considering it as de facto, even though the President hasn't officially signed or announced it. We can say it's on voluntary repatriation," de Vega added.

However, he said that repatriating Filipinos from Gaza is a challenge, as the usual route through Israel is currently closed.

"The challenge lies in how to repatriate them diplomatically because it's not as simple as sending planes or chartering them, especially when there are no flights or ships available," he said.

De Vega said that the government is prepared to deploy an augmentation team to help with the repatriation efforts, if necessary.

"They haven't requested it yet, but we're prepared to do whatever is necessary, including that," he said.

The Department of Migrant Workers also said that it is ready to help with the repatriation efforts, especially if the airport in Gaza opens.

DFA to Pinoys: Avoid traveling to Israel for now

In the same briefing, de Vega advised Filipinos to avoid traveling to Israel amid the ongoing conflict with the Palestinians.

While the Holy Land sites are not where the hostilities are happening, De Vega said it is best to avoid traveling to Israel until the conflict is resolved.