EIGHTEEN Filipinos remained inside Gaza as the fighting between the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Palestinian resistance group Hamas resumed following the end of a seven-day truce under which hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners and aid flowed into the war-devastated territory.
According to Philippine Ambassador to Jordan, Wilfredo Santos, the Philippine Embassy in Amman successfully evacuated 119 out of the 137 Filipinos who were in Gaza at the start of the war between Israel and Hamas. This accounted for 86.86 percent of the total number of Filipinos in Gaza. The evacuation took place after the border was reopened, allowing foreigners and dual citizens to exit.
As of the latest update, only 18 Filipinos remain in Gaza. This includes the eight individuals who exited Gaza and crossed the border into Egypt on Sunday morning (Manila time). However, it is worth noting that the family of eight Filipinos, who initially had approved exit clearances, decided to stay in Gaza with their Palestinian father. Their mother is currently back in the Philippines.
Ambassador Santos also mentioned that another Filipino with approved exit clearance reached the Rafah border crossing but decided to remain in Gaza when her Palestinian father was not permitted to exit the Palestinian side of the border.
Meanwhile, the repatriation efforts continue as the third batch of two Filipino workers from the West Bank and another two from Jordan have arrived in Manila on Tuesday, December 5. The personnel of the Migrant Workers’ Office (MWO) in Jordan provided assistance to the Filipinos at the King Hussein Border Crossing between the West Bank and Jordan.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) covered the transportation, accommodation, and flight tickets for the four Filipino workers. Additionally, each of them received $700 from the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Previously, the first batch of two Filipino workers from the West Bank was repatriated on November 8, followed by the second batch of five Filipinos on November 23.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has also led to an increase in violence in the West Bank. This includes clashes between Israeli security forces and armed settlers against Palestinians. In response, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised Alert Level 2 in the West Bank in October.
Currently, there are 113 Filipinos remaining in the West Bank, including nine nuns, 19 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and 85 resident Filipinos. For those in need of assistance, the Philippine Embassy can be contacted through its ATN Hotlines at 962 77 798 8818, 962 77 907 7778, 962 77 721 9000, 962 77 907 7775, and 962 6 590 1730 for consular assistance.
As the conflict in Gaza and the West Bank continues, the Philippine government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. Efforts to evacuate and repatriate Filipinos from the affected areas are ongoing, and the embassy is ready to provide assistance to those in need.
Source: The Manila Times
