25 Filipinos in Gaza seek repatriation amid on-going conflict

Manila: Amid the escalating conflict between Israeli forces and a Palestinian militant group, 25 Filipinos residing in Gaza have expressed their desire to return home, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday.

According to DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza, citing information from the Philippine Embassy in Amman, Jordan, these 25 Filipinos in Gaza have signaled their intention to be repatriated, though the actual number of requests may vary.

Currently, there are approximately 137 Filipinos in Gaza, a Palestinian territory controlled by the militant group Hamas, said DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega.

The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv told the DFA that 20 Filipinos were "rescued and transferred to safe areas", with one rushed to a local hospital for minor injuries. One Filipina also reportedly saw her husband in videos of those being held and possibly taken to Gaza.

There are six Filipinos who are  unaccounted for, according to Philippine authorities.

The conflict has seen intense exchanges of fire, with Hamas launching a coordinated attack on Israelis over the weekend, resulting in significant casualties. Palestinian militant groups claimed to be holding over 130 captives from the Israeli side.

In retaliation, Israeli forces have initiated airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in a rising death toll on both sides, with over 1,100 casualties reported, including 700 Israelis and 400 Palestinians.

The Israeli side also said 2,150 Israelis had been wounded in the attack, which was launched on Saturday morning. The IDF posted the figures on its official account on X (Twitter).

On Monday, Israel’s defence minister ordered a "complete seige" on Gaza, even as Israeli air strikes and artillery shelling struck more than 500 targets overnight in the enclave.

Arnell Ignacio, Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), stated that the Philippine government is prepared to repatriate those who wish to return, pending full clearance and official requests.

Most Filipinos in Israel have sought safety in secure areas amidst the ongoing conflict. It is estimated that around 24,800 overseas Filipinos reside in Israel, primarily working as caregivers and hotel employees.

There have been no reports of Filipinos in Israel expressing the desire to be repatriated, according to Manila authorities.