MANILA – Israel’s ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss called on the country’s friends and allies to express strong support for Israel and to condemn the terror attacks by Hamas.
In a press conference via Zoom on Sunday, Fluss said that Israel is expecting to hear voices from the international community and from close allies’ condemnation of the terror attacks and support Israel’s right to defend itself and its citizens.
“As we navigate these challenging times, a resounding message reverberates. Stand with Israel, condemn the attacks by Hamas, reject terrorism unequivocally, and support Israel’s right to defend itself,” Fluss said.
Israel’s top envoy to Manila also expressed his appreciation for the kind messages and support that Israel is receiving from “our Filipino friends”.
Fluss reiterated that his office still has no information yet on identities and names of people killed, injured and kidnapped as “things have not yet stabilized”.
“We know that with some foreign nationals who are also killed, and probably some who have been kidnapped, we don’t have any verification of the information regarding Filipino nationals at this point,” Fluss added.
The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv earlier received reports of Thai and Filipino workers on a job mission near the border that were captured by the Hamas.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), they are still verifying the said reports and that the person in charge of Filipino Agrostudies students received no reports of kidnapping and all are accounted for.
The DFA added that it continues to monitor the situation and have asked Israel authorities to secure them.
The envoy also confirmed that the entire country, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all its embassies, including its headquarters, are now in emergency mode. There is also no curfew imposed yet but Israel and foreign nationals alike, especially those in the southern part of Israel are advised to stay at home and wait for further announcements.
Fluss reiterated that “Hamas has announced war against Israel and the country has the full right to respond and protect itself.”
Earlier, the Philippine Embassy in Israel announced that it will be closed starting Sunday, 08 October 2023 until further notice due to the current security situation in the country.
The Embassy also advised all Filipinos living in Israel, particularly those living near the Gaza Envelope, Western Negev, Central Negev, Western Lachish, Lachish Area, Shfelat Yehuda Area, HaShfela Area, Yarkon Area, Dan Area, Sharon Area, and Jerusalem Area to follow the guidelines released by the Home Front Command.
The said guidelines are effective in the mentioned areas since Saturday and until Sunday (October 8), 6:00 pm local time which states that educational activities are prohibited; work-related activities can be held where standard protected space can be reached within the available time to reach shelter; and religious gatherings and services are limited up to 10 people outdoors and up to 50 people indoors.
LATEST UPDATES FROM ISRAEL EMBASSY IN THE PH
There are over 300 casualties resulting from the terror attacks of Hamas, according to the Embassy.
The Israeli Ministry of Health also reported that 1,864 injured individuals have been evacuated to hospitals, 19 of whom are in critical condition, and 326 in serious condition.
Officials assert that there were about 3,500 missiles and rockets fired at Israel and “dozens” were reportedly abducted by the Hamas organization.
