The Israeli government has advised nations to ​"be prepared​" for the possible opening of the Gazan border with Egypt, where many, especially foreign nationals, are staying for eventual exit from the Palestinian territory​, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday, Oct. 18.

But as to who will initiate the opening of a humanitarian corridor remains a question as both Egypt and Israel are apparently passing on the responsibility to each other.

According to DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega, Egypt said its border with Gaza was open for those seeking to be repatriated from Gaza, but this will still depend on the Israeli government if it would allow them to cross.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Major Libi Weiss, told Philippine reporters on Tuesday that it was Egypt that holds the key to any possible crossing from Gaza.

Nevertheless, Israel told other countries to be prepared for the opening of the border as "suddenly" it will open, de Vega said, although "they don't give assurance."

"But we hope [that will happen] as soon as possible," he said in a press conference.

De Vega said Philippine embassy officials in Egypt are prepared to assist the dozens of Filipinos, who are now already awaiting near the border.

Despite the recent attacks purportedly perpetrated by Israel on the southern part of Gaza, where the Egyptian border is located, Filipinos remain safe, de Vega said.

He also said he was confident that Israel would protect Filipinos and all other civilians from any harm as its offensives against Hamas continue.