More than 40 Filipinos who were working in Israel have safely returned to the Philippines as tensions in the Middle East continue. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that 44 repatriates landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Friday afternoon.
The group includes 36 female overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), six male workers, and two dependents. They were warmly welcomed by officials from the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
To help them start fresh, the government provided financial aid under the AKSYON Fund and additional livelihood assistance from OWWA. This support aims to help them rebuild their lives after leaving Israel due to the ongoing conflict.
Why Are Filipinos Leaving Israel?
The situation in Israel has been extremely dangerous since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7, 2024. Hamas launched attacks on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza, killing over 48,000 Palestinians and displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million.
The humanitarian crisis worsened when Israel blocked aid trucks from entering Gaza, leading to severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar are now working to restore a truce and allow humanitarian aid.
As the violence continues, the Philippine government is actively working to bring home more Filipinos who wish to leave the conflict zone, ensuring their safety and well-being.
