GAZA CITY — Forty-six Filipinos have been authorized to exit Gaza through the Rafah crossing into Egypt today, according to an announcement made by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, approval was granted not only for the second batch of Filipinos due to depart but also for the first group whose departure was previously delayed by hostilities in the region. The DFA highlighted that no exits had occurred for three consecutive days starting Saturday due to the volatile situation in Gaza.
The current development brings a sense of relief as all individuals in the two groups are now cleared to cross. De Vega pointed out that the embassy teams in Amman and Cairo are ensuring that by the end of the day, the crossing would have been completed.
Despite the green light for departure, seven individuals have expressed reservations about leaving Gaza; one is seeking to have his Palestinian wife accompany him, while a family wishes to remain in Egypt with their Palestinian family head. The DFA is actively persuading these individuals to proceed with the repatriation, emphasizing potential implications for future efforts to bring Filipinos home from the region.
Additionally, De Vega disclosed that the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has verbally confirmed that Palestinian spouses of Filipino nationals are eligible to exit Gaza. This assurance is a significant step forward while the DFA awaits formal written approval.
The desire to evacuate has seen fluctuations, with some of the initial 116 Filipinos opting to stay due to familial ties. However, with the anticipated confirmation regarding Palestinian spouses, it is expected that more will decide to leave.
Included in those who have evacuated are two Filipino medical workers from the Doctors Without Borders organization, part of the early departures since the conflict's commencement on October 7.
The total count of Filipinos remaining in Gaza has been revised to 135, following the discovery of an additional Filipino domestic worker who was not previously accounted for. This worker, along with five others, has expressed a desire for repatriation.
The latest reports from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs indicate an escalation in the conflict as Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups continue intense clashes. The UN body has noted the full encirclement of Gaza by Israeli forces, with a pronounced push from the south and persistent heavy bombardments affecting the region.