Bongbong Marcos elated: 40 Filipinos from Gaza safely reach Egypt

FILE PHOTO: View of the Rafah border area from the Egyptian side, as aid groups await a decision for it to open to enter the besieged Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah, Egypt, October 16, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said that 40 Filipinos have been able to leave Gaza through the Rafah crossing into Egypt.

“Ikinagagalak kong ibalita na 40 sa ating mga kababayan ay ligtas at matagumpay na nakatawid ng Rafah crossing sa Egypt.  Sila ngayon ay patungo sa Cairo, kung saan sila magmumula para makauwi nang tuluyan sa ating bansa sa susunod na mga araw,” Marcos said in a video message.

(I am happy to announce that 40 of our compatriots have safely and successfully crossed the Rafah crossing in Egypt. They are now on their way to Cairo, from where they will come to return to our country permanently in the next few days.)

READ: No plan B: Rafah border crossing is only way out of Gaza – DFA

Four Filipinos have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war, with two others unaccounted for, according to the government. Marcos pledged government support to the families they left behind.

Israel’s massive armed campaign against Gaza left at least 10,000 Palestinians dead, according to local authorities. The United Nations has called for a ceasefire and described Gaza as a children’s graveyard.