Officials working on agreement to open Gaza humanitarian corridors

The Philippine Embassy in Jordan on Thursday said an agreement for the opening of a humanitarian corridor for the safe passage of civilians stranded at the Gaza-Egypt border is being "worked out."

"For a humanitarian corridor to open, there has to be an agreement for all parties concerned for a ceasefire or a temporary cessation of hostilities," Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Wilfredo Santos said in Raffy Tima’s report on "24 Oras."

"This is being worked out now," Wilfredo said.

The Rafah crossing is the main entrance and exit point to the Gaza Strip from Egypt. Hundreds of foreign nationals, including Filipinos, are trapped on the Gaza side of the vital border as they await the go-signal for their evacuation to Egypt.

On Tuesday, Santos said all 136 Filipinos in Gaza are accounted for including the three individuals who opted to stay in the besieged city.

He said one Filipino is still in the hospital with his son to take care of his Palestinian father-in-law while a nun remained firm in her decision to stay so she can tend to civilians seeking refuge in a church.

"There are hundreds of people taking refuge in the church, I think the number she gave us is 800," said Santos.

"She did not share any other details except for us to pray for her safety and those who are taking refuge in the church," he added.

Hamas militants carried out their deadliest attack in Israel's history on October 7, when gunmen rampaged through Israeli towns, killing more than 1,000 people and taking scores of hostages to Gaza.

Latest data showed the Palestinian death toll reached 6,546 while the Israeli deaths were at 1,400. — Sundy Locus/BAP, GMA Integrated News