Doctors in Gaza cross border to Egypt
By Nidz Godino
"There are 45 Filipinos arriving from Israel on Nov. 6, and that is good news," Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said two Filipino doctors were able to leave Gaza Strip and cross Rafah border to Egypt.
DFA said as Philippine authorities renewed their appeal to Tel Aviv and Cairo for safe passage of Filipinos across only border exit not controlled by Israel.
De Vega said doctors Darwin dela Cruz and Regidor Esguerra, who are working with Doctors Without Borders, crossed Rafah border to Egypt while 115 more Filipinos in Gaza expressed readiness to be repatriated.
De Vega said six Filipinos from Lebanon were scheduled to return to Philippines today, while 45 Filipinos from Israel were set to arrive in Manila on Nov. 6.
DFA is taking some time to secure permission from relevant authorities for Filipinos to exit Gaza as territory remains under total blockade.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Philippine ambassadors in Israel, Egypt and Jordan have been working closely with authorities in Israel and Egypt for exit of more Filipinos.
Following advisory that limited number of evacuees may finally be permitted to exit Gaza via Rafah border crossing, Manalo wrote to foreign ministries of Israel and Egypt requesting necessary permits for safe passage of Filipinos.
Egypt allowed opening of Rafah border for wounded Palestinians and foreign nationals.
Increase from 78 only Filipinos who earlier requested for repatriation. There are total 134 Filipinos in Gaza.
"We are waiting for Israel's Authority for Filipinos to be allowed in," De Vega said .
DFA said 60 Filipinos are waiting to cross Rafah border between Egypt and Gaza.
On November 1, Egyptian authorities allowed 500 foreigners and dual citizens to pass through Rafah. These include two Filipino doctors from Doctors Without Borders (MFS).
"Doctors Without Borders is in charge of them… 2 have crossed…they will be staying in Arish, town closest to border and soon they will be going to Cairo," De Vega told media.
Two doctors will not be returning to Philippines and will be deployed elsewhere, according to De Vega.
Meanwhile, Rafah crossing is only border crossing where civillians can be evacuated from Gaza after Israeli blockade on Israel and West Bank.
On October 30, 60 Filipinos from Israel have successfully returned to the country making it fourth batch of Overseas Filipino Workers to be repatriated.
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