Two Filipino doctors affiliated with the humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) have been selected as part of the first group of foreigners to evacuate Gaza and enter Egypt, as confirmed by a Philippine foreign ministry official.
Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega reported to Reuters, “The crossing should happen anytime now.”
The decision comes as a result of negotiations mediated by Qatar involving Egypt, Israel, and Hamas, with coordination from the US. The agreement facilitates the movement of foreign passport holders as well as some critically injured individuals from the besieged Gaza region.
Earlier today, a fleet of ambulances carrying injured Palestinians along with a group of evacuees was granted permission to cross into Egypt. It’s estimated that around 400 foreigners and dual nationals were slated to cross the border on this first day.
As of now, there are approximately 136 Filipinos in Gaza. While two are doctors, many others, including nationals and their Palestinian-Filipino children, have been waiting near the Rafah border, hoping for a safe passage home.
The Philippine government has confirmed that all 136 of its citizens in Gaza are safe. It has also been in active discussions with both Israel and Egypt, urging them to prioritize the evacuation of its citizens.
In related news, De Vega disclosed in an earlier interview that at least six Filipinos, which includes a nun and some with Palestinian family ties, had previously returned to the northern part of Gaza amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.