Filipinos who will cross into Egypt from Gaza are assured of smooth entry into the country once the border opens, a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official said Saturday, Oct. 20.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said Egyptian Ambassador to the Philippines Ahmed Shehabeldin already advised his government to expedite the process of accepting Filipinos in Egypt as the list of Filipino repatriates was already submitted.

About half of the 135 Filipinos in Gaza signified their intent to return to the Philippines amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas militants.

“[The ambassador] said he talked to their government that when foreigners arrive at the gate, to give priority [to Filipinos] or don't give them problems, or make the processing faster. At the crossing, there is an area that is not yet Egypt, it's like a processing area. Theyknow this already; they were given names [of Filipinos],” de Vega said.

De Vega expressed his gratitude to Shehabeldin for such a gesture.

Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Filipinos were also advised to prepare for possible evacuation from where they are living, particularly those in the southern part, as Israel’s counterattack on Hamas’ sympathizers, the Hezbollah fighters, might happen.

The Philippine Embassy in Beirut is also preparing for the repatriation of Filipinos there, which are around 17,000.

De Vega warned of possible escalation of tension between Israel and Lebanon and some Arab nations should the former invade Gaza.

Four Filipinos are confirmed dead in Israel after Hamas attacked the Jewish state on Oct. 7, prompting a retaliation from the latter.

While some countries expressed their support for Israel, others, especially Arab nations, sympathized with the cause of the Palestinian people, who are being displaced by Israel due to long-standing conflict.