FILIPINOS residing and working in Gaza, the center of conflict between Israel and Hamas, are gradually returning to the Philippines.
In fact, at least 77 Filipinos from Gaza have already returned to the Philippines, including seven Filipinos with Palestinian spouses.
However, before their return, the said Filipinos undergo a process to ensure that their Palestinian spouses are not affiliated with militant groups.
“Regarding Filipinos with Palestinian spouses, this clearance process is done by our security forces. Not all Palestinians are innocent, and if there are security concerns, they will not be allowed to leave. If they are Hamas operatives, the Philippine government may not want them in the Philippines,” according to Ilan Fluss, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines.
Israeli envoy defends launch of war against Hamas militants
Meanwhile, the Israeli Embassy opened its doors to the media to show the faces of the 240 individuals, including two Filipinos, who are still missing since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Media was shown raw footage from dash cams and body cams of Hamas members, victims, CCTV footage, and social media accounts from both Hamas and victims.
Radio recordings were also played, revealing the horrendous events on October 7, where more than a thousand died and hundreds remain missing.
The Israeli government is calling on Hamas to release the hostages, including a 10-month-old baby and elderly individuals over 80 years old.
“We are reminded again and again that we have 239 civilians and soldiers kidnapped—a war crime taken into Gaza. This is a good enough reason for any government to wage war to get hostages home,” Fluss added.
As part of the Israeli government’s campaign, posters have been released to show the faces of the hostages believed to be held by Hamas.
Additionally, there were 33 teddy bears, each blindfolded, representing the young children held captive.
The Israeli envoy stressed that their government’s only goal is to resolve the conflict by saving the hostages, ensuring Hamas cannot launch any attacks against Israel, and removing the group’s terrorist facilities and weapons.
Family of two missing Filipinos in Gaza still hopes for safe return
Meanwhile, the Israeli envoy hopes that the two Filipinos believed to be held hostage by Hamas would return safely to their families in the Philippines.
“Actually, I just talked to the wife just before we started this briefing. I got a message from the wife. So, I have to speak with her. My heart is with her. I really hope that the two will be found among the hostages that were kidnapped. We do not know if they have been murdered or kidnapped. Even the number is not certain,” Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, said.
The Israeli government assures that the families left behind by the Filipinos affected by the conflict are considered part of the larger Israeli family, termed ‘victims of terror’.
According to Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, there will be monthly financial assistance and support for the education of the children affected by the war.
The Israeli envoy added that their embassy is ready to assist the affected families with requirements and aid, similar to what Israeli national families receive.
