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Advocates Philippines
Israel Assures Safe Exit For Filipinos In Gaza
Photo credit: DMW
Israel's Ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fluss, has provided assurances that Israel will facilitate the safe exit of Filipinos in Gaza through the Rafah Crossing, possibly within the next two days.
This comes following discussions between Filipino and Israeli officials regarding Filipinos' passage to Egypt through this border crossing.
In a press briefing facilitated by the Israeli Embassy in Manila via Zoom, Fluss stated, "We had a phone call yesterday between our ministers, and we have different communication lines between Israel and the Philippines, close countries with friendly relations, and we've seen also they've voted, the Philippines in the United Nations. And we will do everything from our part in order to facilitate the safe exit of Filipinos that are in Gaza."
Fluss acknowledged the complexities of the situation, including the involvement of the UN and Egypt, in facilitating this safe exit. He noted that Israel would do everything it can to support the Filipinos' departure from Gaza.
However, he clarified that the Israeli authorities would allow Filipinos to exit Gaza, excluding their Palestinian spouses.
Fluss assured that the Israeli government is committed to ensuring the safe exit of Filipinos, and this could happen as soon as today or tomorrow.
In a separate statement during a Palace briefing, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed the Israeli government's promise to allow Filipinos to leave the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing over the coming weekend.
The Rafah Crossing Point, located on the Gaza-Egypt border, is the sole crossing point between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, and it was recognized by the 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty.
Fluss also addressed concerns about the safety of Israelis in the Philippines amid growing anti-Semitism in Mindanao and other parts of the world.
He emphasized that the embassy is not responsible for the safety and security of Israeli citizens in the Philippines. Instead, it's the responsibility of the Philippine authorities. Fluss called on the international community and leaders to invest efforts in combating anti-Semitism, which has witnessed a significant increase worldwide.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Gaza-based Hamas militant group, which began after an October 7 attack in southern Israel, has resulted in over 1,000 Israeli casualties.
Additionally, around 230 hostages are believed to be held captive in underground tunnels in Gaza by the militants.
This comes following discussions between Filipino and Israeli officials regarding Filipinos' passage to Egypt through this border crossing.
In a press briefing facilitated by the Israeli Embassy in Manila via Zoom, Fluss stated, "We had a phone call yesterday between our ministers, and we have different communication lines between Israel and the Philippines, close countries with friendly relations, and we've seen also they've voted, the Philippines in the United Nations. And we will do everything from our part in order to facilitate the safe exit of Filipinos that are in Gaza."
Fluss acknowledged the complexities of the situation, including the involvement of the UN and Egypt, in facilitating this safe exit. He noted that Israel would do everything it can to support the Filipinos' departure from Gaza.
However, he clarified that the Israeli authorities would allow Filipinos to exit Gaza, excluding their Palestinian spouses.
Fluss assured that the Israeli government is committed to ensuring the safe exit of Filipinos, and this could happen as soon as today or tomorrow.
In a separate statement during a Palace briefing, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed the Israeli government's promise to allow Filipinos to leave the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing over the coming weekend.
The Rafah Crossing Point, located on the Gaza-Egypt border, is the sole crossing point between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, and it was recognized by the 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty.
Fluss also addressed concerns about the safety of Israelis in the Philippines amid growing anti-Semitism in Mindanao and other parts of the world.
He emphasized that the embassy is not responsible for the safety and security of Israeli citizens in the Philippines. Instead, it's the responsibility of the Philippine authorities. Fluss called on the international community and leaders to invest efforts in combating anti-Semitism, which has witnessed a significant increase worldwide.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Gaza-based Hamas militant group, which began after an October 7 attack in southern Israel, has resulted in over 1,000 Israeli casualties.
Additionally, around 230 hostages are believed to be held captive in underground tunnels in Gaza by the militants.
Nov 3, 2023
