A Filipino national was injured in the midst of the ongoing violent conflict between Hamas and Israel, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The individual sustained a gunshot wound to the arm, although his injuries are not life-threatening.
DMW officer-in-charge, Hans Leo Cacdac, reported to ANC’s “Dateline” that the department has successfully moved 25 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families to safer locations in Israel. However, five Filipinos currently remain unlocated. Cacdac remains hopeful, suggesting that these individuals might have sought shelter elsewhere. He emphasized that it is imperative to locate them, but not necessarily indicative that they are in immediate danger.
The current conflict escalated over the weekend when Hamas, considered a terrorist group by Washington and Brussels, initiated a large-scale attack. By Monday, three days into the clashes, the death toll surpassed 1,100. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has alerted the nation to brace for an extended and challenging battle.
With over 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza and civilians targeted by Hamas fighters, the situation has worsened. Pictures of bloodied hostages in Gaza, allegedly abducted by Hamas, have circulated online. While over 700 Israelis have died, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also reports an additional 1,200 injured, many in critical condition.
In retaliation, Israel has targeted approximately 800 locations in the Gaza Strip, leading to at least 413 Palestinian deaths.
The global community has felt the repercussions of the conflict. Several countries, including Brazil, Britain, France, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Nepal, Thailand, Ukraine, and the United States, report nationals either dead, abducted, or missing. Additionally, rising oil prices have heightened concerns over potential supply disruptions from the oil-rich region.