Palestinian awaits life in PH after fleeing Gaza with Pinay wife, kids

A Palestinian national who evacuated from the war-torn Gaza said he is looking forward to a fresh start in the Philippines together with his Filipina wife and two children. 

Dr. Tareq Abaid, a Palestinian university professor, parted ways with his family on Friday after he failed to cross the Rafah border. He was finally allowed to pass on Saturday but his wife and children were already en route to the Philippines. 

“It’s a bad experience really. Even my kids. I think they need some adjustment,” said Abaid in Raffy Tima’s report on “24 Oras."

With his residence and his workplace damaged in the ongoing conflict, Abaid said there is nothing much for him to return to in Gaza, and is looking forward to a new life in the Philippines. 

“I love the Philippines too much. I feel I belong to the Philippines,” he said. 

The third batch of repatriates from Gaza, composed of 14 Filipinos, four children, and one baby, arrived in the country at around 4:47 p.m.

As of Tuesday, a total of 75 Filipinos and 8 Palestinian spouses have been repatriated from Gaza.

The family of Reveling Cargullo Al Abadla, one of the repatriates, thanked the Philippine Embassy of Jordan for helping them evacuate.

“Lahat lahat sila hindi kami pinabayaan, 24 hours na sila ay nagmo-monitor po sa amin kaya mabuhay ang Pilipinas po,” she said. 

Death toll in the enclave reached at least 11,240, most of which were civilians. 

Meanwhile, survivors continue to reel from water and food shortages and the depleting fuel and medicine supplies. 

“Lives in Gaza are hanging by a thread due to depleting fuel and medical supplies. Also, access to water and food has become more and more difficult for those remaining,” said UN OHCHR Head Andrea de Domenico.

The Hamas militant group said they are ready to free 70 of their hostages in exchange for a five-day truce. 

“We can in a five-day-truce, can release 50 women and children who are captives in Gaza, and we can until 70…The truce should include ceasefire, and allowing aid relief everything in Gaza strip,” said Hamas Armed Wing Spokesperson Abu Haida. 

The Philippines recently voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning the settlement of Israel in territories considered owned by Palestine including East Jerusalem, and Syrian Golan. 

At least 144 countries backed the resolution while six, including America, voted against it. —Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News