Israel-Hamas War: Philippines, India, Other Countries Evacuate Citizens

The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. SUPPLIED

Countries, including Philippines and India, are working to account for thousands of their nationals in Israel and the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing conflict between militant group Hamas and Israel. Israel has been on high alert since Saturday (October 7) when Hamas launched a series of surprise attacks. In response, Israel carried out airstrikes to target what is said were Hamas dens in the Gaza Strip. An Israeli military official reported that the death toll has now surpassed 1,000 casualties. According to the health ministry in the Gaza Strip, the death toll of 900 included 260 children and 230 women, while the number of injured has reached 4,600. Here’s an overview of ongoing evacuations:

Philippines

The Philippine government said it is ready to repatriate distressed Filipinos in conflict-torn areas, with the embassy in Tel Aviv saying that it received 83 requests for assistance from Filipinos in Israel. Philippine authorities said that 2 Filipinos were killed in the ongoing conflict, while 22 others were rescued by Israeli security forces and are now being housed in hotels. One of the rescued received hospital treatment for moderate injuries. As of Tuesday (October 10), 313 Filipinos responded to a survey that they were “safe”. According to government data, there are 137 Filipinos living in the Gaza Strip and more than 30,000 living and working in Israel, most outside conflict-stricken areas. The Philippine government said on Tuesday that deployment of overseas workers to Israel is "currently on hold" because Israel's international airport remains closed, but that there is no ban on worker deployment to the country.

Thailand

Thai authorities say they are working with commercial airlines to charter flights, while the Royal Thai Air Force has prepared five military aircraft to transport nationals starting on Thursday (October 12). Around 3,000 Thai citizens have registered with the embassy to be repatriated. The first 15 Thai workers are due to arrive in Thailand on October 12. According to Thailand deputy minister of foreign affairs, the number of Thai nationals killed during Hamas’s attacks in Israel has risen to 18. As of Wednesday, 11 Thai nationals, including 10 men and one woman, were being held as hostages by armed Palestinian groups. There are approximately 30,000 Thais residing in Israel, most of whom work as laborers in sectors including construction, hospitality and agriculture.

India

At least 27 Indians have been evacuated from Israel and have safely crossed the border into Egypt, Indian officials said. Indian embassies in Israel and Palestine have warned Indian citizens to stay alert and contact them if needed. Over 18,000 Indian citizens live in Israel, mostly caregivers, IT professionals, and students. The Indian Embassy, in an advisory, urged all Indian nationals to “exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay close to safety shelters."

Spain

On Wednesday, Spain organized a flight to repatriate 200 people from Tel Aviv, its foreign ministry said.

Indonesia

Indonesia’s foreign ministry has told its citizens to “immediately” leave Israel and the Palestinian territories. Several airlines have already suspended their flights to Israel.

South Korea

A flight carrying 192 South Korean citizens took off from Tel Aviv and landed at the Incheon International Airport near Seoul early on Wednesday, the foreign ministry said. Another 30 South Koreans will be evacuated later in the week by commercial flights, it said, adding that 27 others, who were in Israel on a Christian pilgrimage, will cross to Jordan.

Argentina

Argentina started evacuating more than 1,200 of its citizens from Israel Tuesday. Authorities have arranged three repatriation flights per day to evacuate 1,246 Argentines who have asked to be repatriated to Rome, said Defence Minister Jorge Taiana. From there, they will be flown to Buenos Aires.

Brazil

Brazil's government is mobilizing at least six repatriation flights for its citizens who wish to leave Israel and the Palestinian territories. Approximately 14,000 Brazilians live in Israel and 6,000 live in the Palestinian territories.

Nigeria

Nigeria has repatriated more than 300 of its citizens who fled to Jordan from Israel where they were on a pilgrimage.

Switzerland

Switzerland’s Swiss International Air Lines started a special repatriation flight to Tel Aviv on Tuesday. There are approximately 28,000 Swiss citizens and their families living in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Canada

The Canadian government said it would organise special flights from Tel Aviv later in the week for Canadian nationals, with help from the Canadian military.

France

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna announced on Tuesday that France is organising a special Air France flight from Tel Aviv on Thursday to help repatriate distressed French nationals.

Romania

Bucharest has evacuated 245 Romanian citizens, including two groups of pilgrims, from Israel aboard four planes, Romania's Foreign Ministry said. A total of 800 Romanians have left Israel since Monday, said Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu.