In the aftermath of the recent attacks by the terrorist group Hamas, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has reported that six Filipinos remain missing. The DFA has confirmed that two Filipinos were injured during evacuation efforts.
One of the injured Filipinos is currently receiving treatment in a Be’ersheva hospital for moderate injuries sustained during the rescue, while another was treated for smoke inhalation and is now recuperating in a Tel Aviv hotel, according to a DFA statement.
Furthermore, the DFA has successfully evacuated and relocated 20 Filipinos to secure areas and shelters. However, the DFA, referencing reports from the Philippine Embassy in Israel, states that “six Filipinos remain unaccounted for who cannot be contacted via their mobile number and social media accounts.”
The Embassy has been working closely with Israeli security authorities and community contacts to ascertain the condition of the missing Filipinos. “We continue to await feedback from them,” the DFA mentioned.
In a concerning development, there are unverified reports of a Filipino being held hostage by Hamas. The DFA said, “1 Filipina from the PHL reached out to the Embassy claiming she recognized her husband in a social media video, which depicts a man being held by armed individuals.”
This man is believed to have possibly been taken to Gaza. The DFA urgently relayed this information to the Israel military authorities and is awaiting confirmation.
While the identity of the man in the video remains uncertain, the DFA considers the wife’s report as significant and is working diligently with community contacts on the case.