ISRAEL is not open to any negotiations with the militant group Hamas.
This was emphasized by Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fluss, in an exclusive interview with SMNI News.
Ambassador Fluss stated that negotiations are not possible during an ongoing war when civilians are continuing to lose their lives.
“This is not the stage for negotiations; we are in a war. Hamas initiated the war—the right for Israel to exist,” according to Ambassador Ilan Fluss.
Ambassador Fluss also mentioned that Israel is preparing for the second stage of the conflict, ensuring that no infrastructure of the terrorist group remains in Gaza. He clarified that Israel is not targeting civilian infrastructure, and every building hit by rockets has an ID registered with Hamas.
“We are now on the final stage of stabilizing in Israel; we are on the second stage of the war, eradicating Hamas infrastructure—Israeli citizens—we saw ambulances,” Ambassador Fluss added.
In addition, Fluss shared that Israel left the Gaza Strip in 2005, making it independent from Israeli rule. Israel only provides assistance in the form of water and electricity supply since resources in Gaza are insufficient. The Israeli government also offers job opportunities for Palestinians, allowing them to move freely between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
“We cannot support Hamas, but they are in the government. Not all Palestinians are Hamas,” he added.
The current situation in Israel demonstrates the unity of the Israeli people in defending their country. Ambassador Fluss mentioned that Israelis from all over the world, including those in the Philippines, have returned to Israel to stand in solidarity with their government and military.
“Life continues; we are seeing solidarity. We cannot continue seeing like,” he said.
During a meeting with Presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos, Ambassador Fluss conveyed that President Marcos expressed his sympathy and condolences for Israel. They also discussed two OFWs who lost their lives due to the conflict.
“The president was very sympathetic, very warm. Two OFWs that were identified as dead,” he stated.
Israel’s priority is to protect Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the country, most of whom have been evacuated to safe locations with their employers.
“Our approach to Filipino workers, with their employers,” Amb. Fluss said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has raised Gaza to Alert Level 3, indicating voluntary repatriation for Filipino nationals. However, as of now, no Filipinos have requested repatriation from Israel. Still, an increasing number of individuals in Gaza, totaling seventy, desire to return to the Philippines.
