Israel Appeals for Release of Children Hostages in Gaza Held by Hamas

Manila – Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fluss, has called for the immediate release of 33 children held hostage in Gaza following an attack by Hamas’s militants on Israel on October 7. During a media briefing on Monday, Fluss highlighted the inhumanity of the situation and emphasized the urgency of releasing the hostages to return them to their homes.

According to Philippines News Agency, Fluss, among the 239 hostages held by Hamas, including 33 children, is 10-month-old Kfir Bibas, the youngest. Bibas was abducted along with his parents and four-year-old sibling five weeks ago. Fluss described the war as imposed on Israel and a response to a terrorist attack that resulted in brutal acts of violence, including butchery, as evidenced by video footage shared on social media by the militants themselves.

Fluss also addressed the situation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel and the families of those who died due to the atrocity. He assured that the Israeli embassy would provide the same level of support to these families as it does to Israeli victims of terrorism. This support includes financial assistance, educational support for children, and help with necessary paperwork and processes for those wishing to return to the Philippines. To date, 224 OFWs and eight children have been repatriated to the Philippines, while 98 Filipinos have left Gaza as of November 11.

Regarding the status of missing Filipino Jimmy Gelienor and another Filipino, Fluss mentioned that there is no update on whether they were among the victims of the kidnapping. However, he reassured that the Israeli government is committed to rescuing all foreigners from conflict-stricken Gaza, including all hostages, and ensuring that Hamas will not attack Israel again.