DFA hopes Rafah border to open to help Pinoys flee Gaza
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Monday expressed hopes that the Egyptian-controlled Rafah border crossing will be opened to allow people, including Filipinos, to flee Gaza.
In a statement, Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said “the DFA is hopeful for a solution to be reached soonest in order for the Rafah crossing to start receiving foreign nationals, so that our kababayans in Gaza will be allowed to cross into Egypt.”
She explained once in Egypt, the Filipinos will be flown to the Philippines.
“From there, our teams will work on their repatriation to the Philippines,” she added.
Earlier, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said they are working with partners to request the opening of Egypt-Gaza and the Rafah border for humanitarian purposes.
There are 131 Filipinos in Gaza, the DFA said.
On Sunday, the Philippine government placed Gaza under Alert level 4, which means mandatory repatriation for all Filipinos is a must.
