Two Filipinos killed in Israel-Hamas conflict
MANILA, Philippines (Update 3: 1:28 p.m.) — Two Filipinos were killed amid the fierce fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, authorities said Wednesday.
“The Philippines condemns the killing of two Filipino nationals and all other acts of terrorism and violence as a result of Hamas actions against Israel,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said on X.
In a statement, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also condemned the killings and said the Philippines “stands firmly against the ongoing terror and violence.”
“My heart is heavy upon hearing confirmation of the deaths of two Filipinos in Israel,” he said.
In a Palace briefing, officials from the Philippine Embassy said the deceased individuals were identified as a 33-year-old female from Pangasinan and a 42-year-old male from Pampanga.
Authorities did not provide more details for privacy, but they said the two Filipinos were killed Saturday, when Hamas launched an attack by land, sea and air.
26 Filipinos rescued, 3 still missing
Vice Consul Patricia Narajos said the embassy received a report about another Filipino who might have died amid the conflict.
“This is subject to confirmation by DNA evidence,” she said.
Three Filipinos remain missing, while 26 have been rescued by Israeli security forces.
Narajos added that one Filipino is “recovering well” in a hospital after being shot in the arm. Another Filipino was treated for smoke inhalation, but was later discharged.
Manalo, the country’s top diplomat, assured that the government will continue to provide assistance to distressed Filipinos in Israel and Palestine.
Around 30,000 Filipinos reside in Israel, with most living outside the conflict area in the southern region near the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, about 150 Filipinos are in Gaza.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.
“I [would also like] to express our gratitude to those Filipinos and generally speaking to overseas Filipino workers in Israel who are staying there with other families, elderly people,” Fluss said.
Filipino workers in Israel and their families can contact the DMW’s hotline +63 2 1348 or the following WhatsApp and Viber numbers: +63 9083268344, +63 9271478186 or +63 9205171059 for emergencies.
The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv is available at +972-54-4661188 or +972-50-911-4017 for further assistance.
The death toll in Israel has surpassed 900 from the worst attack in the country's 75-year history. Gaza officials reported 900 people killed so far, and Israel's army said the bodies of roughly 1,500 militants had been found.
According to Manalo, the Philippines “is ready to work with other countries towards a long-lasting resolution to the conflict, in accordance with pertinent United Nations Security Council resolutions and the general principles of international law.” — with report from Agence France-Presse
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