Life in Israel ‘back to normal’ – deputy envoy to PH

MANILA, August 13 ------ The Israeli Embassy in the Philippines said that life in Israel has largely returned to normal despite ongoing tensions in the region, specifically with Iran. At the Philippines-Israel Cybersecurity Forum in Taguig, Deputy Ambassador to the Philippines Ester Buzgan also underscored Israel's efforts to assist civilians, including Filipinos, affected by recent conflicts.

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently hosting 17 Filipino journalists for a tour in Israel to see the actual situation. “It's back to normal. We have a delegation of 17 journalists right now, as we speak, in Israel. Actually, today they have a day in the south, and we were able to secure their way to the Kerem Shalom crossing, which is right at the border of Gaza Strip, to be able to see the humanitarian aid and the amount of trucks that have been entering daily into Gaza Strip,” she said. “We wanted them to see it with their own eyes. You know, we're not telling reporters what to report. We're just showing the things on the ground, and however they want to put the story, it's theirs.” she added.

Buzgan emphasized that Israel is a democratic country that values freedom of speech and free journalism. She said they invited the Filipino journalists to allow them to see things with their own eyes and to report back on the way things are.

Filipinos in Israel

Buzgan said the Israeli government is thankful to the 30,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who decided to remain in Israel and stay with their employers despite the conflicts. She said Filipino workers in Israel are treated like family, citing the Filipina caregiver taking care of the family of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She also assured government support for those who, unfortunately, became casualties of the war, like OFW Lea Mosquera, who succumbed to injuries from an Iranian missile attack. “We share your pain. I mean, it's something that bonds us together, and it's something that we understand. And the Israeli government will continue taking care of her family,” she said. Buzgan said the Israeli government is obligated to assist Israelis attacked by terrorists, and that it is just that Filipinos receive the same benefits, assistance, and care.

Hostages, humanitarian aid

Buzgan said Israel still holds out hope for the release of about 50 hostages in Gaza. She said Israel is working with the United States and non-government organizations (NGOs) such as the Gaza Humanitarian Fund to create secure channels for the direct delivery of aids to civilians, bypassing Hamas control. She also raised concerns on the rising attacks on vessels passing by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, affecting and victimizing Filipino seafarers, calling such incidents “pure piracy.”

While Buzgan declined to give operational details, she stressed the need for global cooperation to combat terrorism and maritime threats. “I pray that by the next time I meet you guys, our people will be back, just like your people. I pray for them, for the seafarers to be back home, and to stop this pirating and kidnapping people, be it on the sea or be it on the shore.

Source: pna.gov.ph