THE Embassy of Israel in Manila has expressed its condemnation of the terrorist acts committed by Hamas militants against innocent Israelis and people of other nationalities, including two Filipinos who lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the embassy conveyed its “sincere condolences to the families of the two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who tragically lost their lives due to the Hamas terror attacks in Israel.”
“We also extend our thoughts and prayers to those who are still unaccounted for. Israel remains committed to defending itself against Hamas,” the embassy emphasized.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo revealed on Wednesday that two Filipinos had lost their lives as a result of Hamas’ actions against Israel.
Ilan Fluss, the Israeli Ambassador to Manila, underscored his government’s dedication to the well-being of all Filipinos residing in Israel, particularly in light of reports of some individuals being abducted by Hamas.
“We are aware that there are seven Filipinos who have yet to be located. Thus, we are deeply concerned about their safety,” Ambassador Fluss stated during an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.
The ambassador raised the reported kidnappings of Filipinos with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. “I specifically asked him what steps we could take to assist and support the OFWs.”
“The answer is clear: the Israeli government is fully committed to the welfare of all Filipinos and other foreign nationals living in Israel,” he noted.
“We treat them with the same dedication as we do with Israeli citizens. There is no discrimination,” Ambassador Fluss emphasized. “They receive the same level of protection and are expected to follow the same protocols. They are part of our community and live among us.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) disclosed on Tuesday night that the Philippine Embassy in Israel is investigating reports concerning the “likely death of a Filipina” who had been previously reported missing in one of the attacked kibbutzim (farms).
DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza stated that the embassy’s labor attaché and welfare officer are “on the ground to provide support to the sister of the Filipina in question and to verify the situation with the Israel Police.”
Manalo used social media to express the Philippines’ strong condemnation of the loss of life among Filipinos.
“The Philippines denounces the killing of two Filipino nationals and all acts of terrorism and violence resulting from Hamas’ actions against Israel,” Manalo conveyed on the platform.
(ai/mnm)
