MANILA – Israel assures the Philippine government that it will help bring home the remains of Filipinos killed in attacks by Hamas and offered to extend assistance as well for the bereaved families.
In a meeting between Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo, Fluss said that Israel will be extending help for the deceased Filipinos and their families, as well as assurance that it is doing its best to ensure the safety of the Filipino community in Israel.
Israel also promised to protect and secure the crossing between Gaza and Egypt as foreign nationals, including Filipinos, are still waiting for the border to open.
According to DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega, who was also present during the meeting held at the DFA office on Tuesday, Israel and Egypt are coordinating to make sure that no members of the Hamas will be able to cross the borders.
“Pareho sila, nakikipag-ugnayan sila kung paano nila gagawin yung proseso kung paano walang lulusot na terrorists,” he told DZRH Balansyado program Tuesday evening.
“Yong corridor pro-protektahan ng Israel kasi baka paputukan ng Hamas, a few kilometers lang ‘yan pagdating sa Egyptian side ipro-proseso na ‘yong mga arrivals ng Egypt,” De Vega added.
He is optimistic that any day soon the borders will be opened as there are still 135 Filipinos inside the Gaza Strip, with around 78 already waiting near the Rafah border with Egypt. The mentioned number rose from 131 after the DFA identified an additional four Filipinos within the area.
"In fact, sabi nila any day now puwedeng mangyari na 'yong bubuksan 'yong corridor," De Vega said.
In a breakdown, De Vega mentioned that there are still 81 adult Filipinos, 51 minors, two Filipino doctors affiliated with Doctors Without Borders and one Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) still in the Gaza Strip.
