EGYPT initiated diplomatic discussions with both Israelis and Palestinians as hostilities in the region escalated on Sunday.

Following a significant attack by Hamas that prompted retaliatory airstrikes from Israel, the Egyptian Presidency disclosed that President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi had engaged in a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron to deliberate on efforts aimed at de-escalation.

Egypt, in an official statement, affirmed its commitment to conducting intensive dialogues with Israeli and Palestinian parties, along with engaging regional and international stakeholders, in an effort to quell the current upsurge in tensions. However, specific details regarding these talks were not disclosed.

President Sisi issued a stern warning against allowing the region to descend into a perilous cycle of tension, emphasizing the risk it poses to regional stability and security.

In addition to diplomatic efforts, Egypt urged both Palestinians and Israelis to exercise restraint and prevent further endangerment of civilian lives.

The Israeli Health Ministry reported that Hamas’s extensive rocket attacks and infiltration near the Gaza Strip on Saturday resulted in the tragic loss of over 300 Israeli lives and left more than 1,500 people injured.

In response, Israel launched airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in the casualties of over 230 Palestinians and injuries to hundreds more, as confirmed by the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is now in a state of war with Hamas and subsequently called upon Gaza’s civilian population to evacuate, as the Israeli military was prepared to dismantle “all Hamas hiding places.”

Source Anadulo


(ai/mnm)

MANILA – On Sunday, the Philippine government vehemently condemned the escalating violence in Israel and assured the public that it is in close coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv to ensure the safety of Filipino nationals.

“The Philippines strongly condemns the recent attacks, particularly those targeting civilian populations,” stated the Office of the President. This statement came in response to the sudden assaults launched by the Hamas group against Israelis on Saturday and the subsequent retaliatory actions taken by Israeli forces.

The official statement expressed heartfelt sympathies and condolences to those who have lost family members and loved ones in these recent attacks. Furthermore, it emphasized that the Philippines recognizes the right of states to self-defense in the face of external aggression, as outlined in the United Nations Charter.

In a separate announcement, the Presidential Communications Office disclosed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had instructed the government to maintain close coordination with the embassy in Tel Aviv and the Migrant Workers Office in Israel, with the primary aim of assisting Filipinos affected by the ongoing conflict.

Both offices have been tasked with promptly locating and accounting for all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families residing in Israel. To facilitate communication, the Department of Migrant Workers has established a hotline along with Viber and WhatsApp numbers, which will accept calls and inquiries from OFWs and the Filipino community seeking government assistance.

Call for International Support

Meanwhile, the Israeli Embassy in Manila called upon allied nations to extend their support to Israel and unequivocally condemn the acts of violence.

“In this moment of distress, we urge our friends and allies to stand firmly with Israel and denounce these acts of terror committed by Hamas. We expect the international community and our close allies to condemn terrorism and uphold Israel’s right to defend its citizens,” declared Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss during a virtual briefing.

Fluss revealed that the extensive acts of terror have resulted in more than 250 Israeli casualties, with over 1,600 individuals injured and more than 100 Israelis taken as hostages in Gaza.

“Hamas continues to launch rocket attacks into Israel. This terrorist organization has infiltrated our cities and residential areas, deliberately targeting innocent Israeli citizens, including the elderly, women, and children,” he pointed out.

Fluss clarified that while there have been reports of foreign nationals being held hostage, it remains uncertain if Filipinos are among them.

“Israel remains under attack. Terrorists are still active in the southern part of Israel, and the Israeli Defense Forces are engaged in ongoing efforts to regain full control of the situation,” he noted.

“I have heard reports about Philippine nationals, but at this stage, we do not have any confirmation regarding their involvement. The situation is still evolving, and we are in the process of gathering information,” he explained.

Fluss underscored that the Israeli Defense Forces are compelled to respond to the attacks by initiating a large-scale operation. He emphasized that Israel has the inherent right to protect itself, and it is the government’s duty to ensure the safety of its citizens and foreign residents living in the country.

“We deeply appreciate the messages of support and solidarity that Israel is receiving from our Filipino friends. As we navigate these challenging times, a clear message resounds: Stand with Israel, condemn Hamas’ attacks, and reject terrorism unequivocally,” Fluss concluded.

(ai/mnm)

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is currently in the process of verifying reports regarding the alleged abduction of Filipino workers by suspected Hamas militants amidst a major escalation of hostilities in Israel.

According to Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza, the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv has received “unconfirmed reports” that a group of Filipinos working in close proximity to the Israeli border was taken captive on Saturday morning.

“We have received these unconfirmed reports at the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, and we are actively working to verify their accuracy,” stated Daza.

She further assured that all Filipino agro-studies students in Israel are currently “accounted for,” based on the latest information available.

“Nevertheless, we are continuously monitoring the situation and have requested the local authorities to ensure their safety,” Daza added.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega disclosed that contingency plans have been put into motion, including an emergency meeting convened at the embassy, to ensure the well-being of the approximately 30,000 Filipinos residing in Israel.

Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries among the Filipino community in Israel, as confirmed by de Vega. “Evacuation plans have been prepared, just in case. However, as of now, our ambassador has reported no Filipino casualties. We are actively in touch with the Filipino community to ensure their welfare,” he stated in a television interview on Saturday.

In response to this situation, the Department of Migrant Workers has established a 24/7 Task Force Israel Desk dedicated to assisting Filipinos in Israel. They can be reached at +63 2 1348 or via WhatsApp and Viber at +63 9083268344, +63 9271478186, or +63 9205171059.

(AI/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

DESPITE THE DECLARATION of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel is “at war” after Palestinian militants launched a surprise attack Saturday morning, there is still no evacuation plan for the estimated 27,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the US-backed Jewish state.

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac said their agency is continuing to monitor the critical situation in Israel and accounting the OFWs, most especially in areas near the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian area governed by Hamas militants and blockaded by Israel and Egypt.

“Mayroon na tayong namo-monitor, ina-account natin na Pilipino, mga OFWs na nandoon. Patuloy lang ang effort natin. We are talking to many of them and mga relatives nila. Isa-isa nating naa-account sila,” Cacdac said when interviewed over Teleradyo Serbisyo.

“So far there are no reports of Filipino casualties,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said.

He added: “There are about 27K [Filipinos] in Israel but the vast majority are situated in places other than the Gaza area.”

Gaza is a Palestinian enclave on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza also disclosed that the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv received “unconfirmed reports” that some Filipinos working near the Israeli border were captured on Saturday morning.

Maharlika NuMedia gathered that at least 300 people have died and thousands of others are wounded in Israel.

According to the Palestinian health ministry, at least 232 Palestinians have died and more than 1,600 are wounded in Gaza.

Israel launched air strikes on the territory while its forces clashed on the ground with Hamas fighters.

On the other hand, the Israeli foreign ministry claimed that more than 200 Israelis have been killed. (ai/mnm)