President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. affirmed that the Philippines will steadfastly support Israel in the face of what he termed “terrorist attacks” by the militant group Hamas.
As per the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos conveyed this message during his meeting with Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss in Malacañang on Wednesday afternoon.
Marcos expressed gratitude towards the Israeli government for their successful rescue of over 20 Filipinos and ensuring their safety. He also voiced concern for the three Filipinos who remain unaccounted for, as reported by the PCO.
Fluss assured Marcos that Israel is exerting every possible effort to guarantee the safety of Filipinos in the conflict-affected region.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the unfortunate loss of two Filipino lives in the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict.
Israel is currently under Alert Level 2, which entails restrictions on non-essential movements for Filipinos residing there.
The Philippines has strongly condemned the Hamas attacks, particularly for commencing on Saturday, coinciding with Simchat Torah, a peaceful Jewish celebration, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives.
On February 26, 1958, the Philippines and Israel solidified their friendship by signing a Treaty of Friendship, establishing full diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 11, 2023
