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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH calls for opening of Gaza's border with Egypt

PH calls for opening of Gaza's border with Egypt

Published Oct 16, 2023 02:27 am

The Philippine government is pressing for the immediate opening of Gaza’s border with Egypt as dozens of Filipinos are heading to the southern part of the Palestinian territory to flee from the fighting of Israeli troops and Hamas militants.

In a statement on Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is “hopeful for a solution to be reached soonest in order for the Rafah crossing to start receiving foreign nationals.”

The agency made the appeal “so that our kababayans (fellow Filipinos) in Gaza will be allowed to cross into Egypt,” it added.

As of Sunday, 78 of the 131 Filipinos in Gaza, which is bearing the brunt of Israel’s retaliation on Hamas, are already on the territory’s southern part to prepare for their exit through Egypt.

“From there, our teams will work on their repatriation to the Philippines,” DFA added.

The remaining number of the Filipinos have either left the northern part, especially Gaza City where hostilities are expected to erupt following Israel’s warning​, according to DFA.

Palestine last week called for opening humanitarian corridor to allow affected civilians, locals and foreigners alike, to seek refuge from other countries as Israel said no discussions on such are on the table yet.

Related Tags

Egypt GAZA HAMAS
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