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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Israeli gov't wary of missing Filipinos in Israel — envoy

Israeli gov't wary of missing Filipinos in Israel — envoy

Published Oct 10, 2023 06:20 am

​The Israeli government is concerned about the situation of seven Filipinos who remain unaccounted for after the ongoing conflict between Israeli troops and Hamas militants broke out.

Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said Tuesday, Oct. 10, that Tel Aviv already received reports about several individuals who were abducted by Hamas and brought to Gaza.

Some of them were Thai and Cambodian nationals, Fluss said.

He also said he was informed by Philippine Ambassador to Israel Junie Laylo that seven Filipinos who have not been in contact with employers or next-of-kin, including one who was feared to be taken hostage after he was recognized by his wife, as resembling one of the captives held by Hamas, in one of the videos circulating on social media. 

"It's really heartbreaking—the pictures, the videos you see coming from the kidnapping," Fluss said at a public briefing.

"We're also very much wary about their (seven Filipinos') well-being," he added.

Fluss said it is still "very difficult" to account for those who are kidnapped, but the Israeli security forces are already analyzing all the footage they are able to get as far as kidnapping is concerned in order to identify them.

He also said he already informed Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen about the situation of missing Filipinos and asked him what the Israeli embassy in Manila could do to help.

He said he was told to stay put as the Israeli government will do its best as it is committed to the well-being of all Filipinos and all the nationals in the Jewish state.

​"They [Filipinos] get the same protection​ [like Israelis]," Fluss said.

On the other hand, Fluss expressed appreciation for the Philippines' support to Israel, both on diplomatic and personal levels.

He said Manila's pronouncement that is supportive of Tel Aviv's right to self-defense validates the latter's fight against terrorism; and Manila's condemnation of Hamas' attack assures Israelis that they are not alone in the fight.

"That's extremely important—to hear the voices," he said. "The message of support is very moving."

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