FILE PHOTO: A tank manoeuvres along the Israel-Gaza border fence, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Israel January 22, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
MANILA, Philippines — An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier of Filipino descent was among those killed in a massive explosion amid Israel-Hamas conflict, the embassy of Israel in the Philippines confirmed on Wednesday.
In a statement, the embassy identified the Filipino soldier as Sergeant First Class Cydrick Garin.
“He was one of the 21 IDF soldiers killed in a massive explosion in Gaza by Hamas on January 22,” it said.
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According to the embassy, Garin’s parents are two Filipinos.
“[H]is mother is a native of Isabela Province and residing in Tel Aviv, while his father is a native of General Santos City. The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines is currently facilitating the travel of Sgt. Garin’s father to Israel,” said the embassy.
The tension between Israel and Palestine grew on October 7, 2023, following an unprecedented attack by militant group Hamas.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said four Filipino civilians have died amid the war.