Lawmaker seeks creation of task force to help Filipinos in Israel, Gaza

Palestinians inspect the rubble of the Yassin Mosque destroyed after it was hit by an Israeli airstrike at Shati refugee camp in Gaza city, early Monday, October 9, 2023. Israel’s military battled to drive Hamas fighters out of southern towns and seal its borders Monday as it pounded Gaza Strip. (Photo from AP/Adel Hana)

MANILA, Philippines — House committee on overseas workers affairs and Kabayan Party-list Representative Ron Salo has asked government to organize a task force that will assist Filipinos affected by the armed conflict in Israel and nearby areas like Gaza.

In a statement on Tuesday, Salo said he has filed House a House resolution for this purpose.

The lawmaker explained a crisis committee must be formed as over 30,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are staying in Israel and Gaza right now.

Hundreds of people in Israel have died from the surprise attack by Hamas last October 7, forcing Israeli government to declare war against the group.

At least 300,000 Israeli reservists have been called as the country plans to launch counter offensives against the militants, who are based in Palestine.

“With the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the risks it poses to our [OFWs] and Filipino nationals in the region, I have filed House Resolution No. 1369 urging the Executive Department to immediately create a crisis management and response task force for the assistance of our countrymen in Israel and Gaza,” Salo said.

“This task force, jointly led by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), will be mandated to closely monitor the evolving situation, ensure the safety of our Kabayans, and be fully prepared for any possible contingencies,” he added.

RELATED STORIES:

Israel and Palestinian war: What you need to know right now 

Israel, Gaza reel as death toll exceeds 1,000 in war with Hamas 

Israel strikes and seals off Gaza as Hamas vows to execute hostages 

APL