MANILA, Philippines, Oct 9: As tensions rise between Israeli forces and a Palestinian militant group, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Monday that 25 Filipinos residing in Gaza have expressed their desire to return home.

DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza, referencing information from the Philippine Embassy in Amman, Jordan, revealed that these 25 Filipinos in Gaza have signaled their intention to be repatriated, though the actual number of requests may vary.

Currently, Gaza, a Palestinian territory under the control of the militant group Hamas, is home to approximately 137 Filipinos, according to DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega.

The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv has reported that 20 Filipinos were "rescued and transferred to safe areas," while one was rushed to a local hospital for minor injuries. Additionally, one Filipina reportedly saw her husband in videos of those held and possibly taken to Gaza. However, there remain six Filipinos unaccounted for, according to Philippine authorities.

The ongoing conflict has witnessed intense exchanges of fire, with Hamas launching a coordinated attack on Israelis over the weekend, resulting in significant casualties. Palestinian militant groups claim to be holding over 130 captives from the Israeli side.

In retaliation, Israeli forces initiated airstrikes in Gaza, leading to a rising death toll on both sides, with over 1,100 casualties reported, including 700 Israelis and 400 Palestinians. Israeli authorities also reported that 2,150 Israelis had been wounded in the attack, which commenced on Saturday morning.

On Monday, Israel's defense minister ordered a "complete siege" on Gaza, even as Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling targeted more than 500 locations overnight in the enclave.

Arnell Ignacio, Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), stated that the Philippine government is prepared to repatriate those who wish to return, pending full clearance and official requests.

Most Filipinos in Israel have sought safety in secure areas amid the ongoing conflict. It is estimated that around 24,800 overseas Filipinos reside in Israel, primarily working as caregivers and hotel employees. However, there have been no reports of Filipinos in Israel expressing the desire to be repatriated, according to Manila authorities.