The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) appealed to its counterpart in Israel and Egypt to ensure the safe exit of Filipinos from Gaza as soon as possible.
According to DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza, Secretary Enrique Manalo immediately contacted Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry following the advisory that some individuals may finally be allowed to exit Gaza by crossing the Rafah border.
Daza also said that the agency prioritizes the safety and protection of Filipinos in the Middle East and is taking care of getting a permit from the authority for Filipinos to cross the said border.
While waiting for this, the DFA, relevant units at the headquarters in Manila as well as the Ambassadors in Israel, Egypt and Jordan are working with the authorities in Israel and Egypt to take steps in case the evacuation of Filipinos from Gaza is allowed.
The official also shared that Gaza remains closed with limited movement of people and goods.
DFA chief first wrote to the Israeli and Egyptian Foreign Ministers on November 1 following the release of an advisory that a limited number of evacuees will be allowed to exit Gaza through the Rafah border crossing to once again request their governments to issue the necessary permits for the safe passage of Filipinos.
Meanwhile, the DFA remains committed to ensuring the protection of Filipinos trapped in the war with Israel.
