8-10-2023 (MANILA) The Philippines has strongly denounced the recent multifaceted surprise attacks in Israel, which have resulted in the deaths of hundreds, including civilians. In an official statement, the Office of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed its deepest sympathies and condolences to those who have lost loved ones in the ongoing conflict between the Israeli military and the Palestinian group Hamas.
“The Philippines condemns these attacks, particularly those against civilian populations,” stated the Office of the President.
Over 200 Israelis have lost their lives in a series of Palestinian attacks conducted by land, sea, and air. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared his intention to reduce Hamas’ strongholds in Gaza to “rubble.” The intense Israeli airstrikes in the coastal enclave have resulted in at least 232 Palestinian casualties.
The Office of the President also stressed that “the Philippines acknowledges the right of states to self-defense in response to external aggression, as recognized in the United Nations Charter.”
Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, in a briefing on Sunday, called on the international community, including the Philippines, to stand in support of Israel’s right to defend itself and to condemn the acts of terror by Hamas.
“In this time of distress, we urge our friends and allies to express strong support for Israel and denounce these terrorist attacks by Hamas,” Ambassador Fluss emphasized.
Concern for Filipinos in Israel The Philippine government is actively coordinating with Israeli authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of Filipinos residing in Israel, as reported by the Presidential Communications Office.
“The President has directed the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to locate and account for all overseas Filipino workers and their families in Israel,” the PCO stated.
A task force has been established to monitor the situation of Filipinos in Israel, and hotlines have been set up to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in need of help.
Hans Leo Cacdac, the officer-in-charge of the Department of Migrant Workers, confirmed that some Filipinos in Israel have sought refuge in shelters, while others have evacuated to different areas. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported.
The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv has been working to verify unconfirmed reports of several Filipinos being held by Hamas fighters. Ambassador Fluss also noted that the Embassy of Israel in Manila currently has no verified information regarding any Filipinos among the casualties in the ongoing conflict.
“We are committed to the welfare of OFWs in Israel, including students. They are an integral part of Israeli society, and we are taking care of them as we would any other Israeli citizen,” Ambassador Fluss assured.
Approximately 30,000 overseas Filipino workers reside in Israel.
The escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict follows months of mounting violence, particularly in the occupied West Bank, as well as increased tensions around Gaza’s border and at disputed holy sites in Jerusalem.
