38 Filipinos in Gaza Strip are seeking repatriation, says DFA

TOPSHOT – People inspect the ruins of a building destroyed in Israeli strikes in Gaza city on October 8, 2023. Fighting between Israeli forces and the Palestinian militant group Hamas raged on October 8, with hundreds killed on both sides after a surprise attack on Israel prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to warn they were “embarking on a long and difficult war.” (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — There are nine families, or at least 38 Filipinos, in Gaza Strip who have signified their intentions to be repatriated due to the battles ongoing in Israel.

Gaza is a Palestinian enclave on the eastern coast of Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt and Israel.

Citing data from Philippine embassy in Amman, Jordan, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teresita Daza told reporters that the requests to be returned back to the Philippines were made on Monday evening.

“As of 7:00 PM of October 9, Amman PE had a total of nine families consisting of 38 Filipino nationals and 11 Palestinian spouses [have requested to be repatriated],” said Daza in a text message on Tuesday.

“Among the 38 Filipino nationals are 17 minors whose ages range from 2-15 years old,” she added.

Meanwhile, latest data from Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv showed 22 Filipinos have been rescued by Israeli security forces on Monday.

Of the 22 individuals, one is being treated at a hospital for sustaining a gunshot wound, while another one was treated for smoke inhalation.

Consul General and Deputy chief of Mission Anthony Mandap earlier stated that they are still investigating reports that a Filipino citizen has died in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

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