DFA assures safety of Filipinos amid Israel’s settlement plan

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assured that Filipinos living near the West Bank are safe, following escalating tensions sparked by Israel's E1 settlement plan.Speaking at the sidelines of the Korea-Asean Community of Policy Exchange on Friday, DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega told The Manila Times that, along with other government posts in the Middle East, there are timely advisories issued to Filipinos residing near the conflict area.De Vega said the department will continue to work as a "one-country team" to safeguard Filipinos and provide necessary assistance.On Thursday, the agency reaffirmed its support for Palestine's right to self-determination, warning that Israel's E1 settlement plan and rising settler violence in the West Bank violate international law and undermine…