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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palestinian gov't asks Israel: Open humanitarian corridors for people trapped in Gaza

Palestinian gov't asks Israel: Open humanitarian corridors for people trapped in Gaza

Published Oct 13, 2023 03:38 am

The Palestinian Authority on Friday, Oct. 13, called on Israel to open humanitarian corridors to allow food and necessary items to come to Gaza as locals and foreigners alike are trapped within the territory currently governed by militant group Hamas and facing consequences by the Israeli blockade.

Palestinian Ambassador to the Philippines Saleh Mohammad urged Israel to "halt all military operations...for some time" to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

He also asked Tel Aviv to open its doors for a peaceful dialogue with the Palestinian leadership as well as the world to mediate in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which led to the current war.

"You know, United States or United Kingdom, China, Russia, European Union, Philippines, Africa, all united nations, all sincere people who have good intention to mediate, they're most welcome," Saleh said in an interview with ANC.

"Everybody can be a good mediator but with sincerity, and with a clear vision that this occupation should be bought, once and for all, to an end," he added.

The Palestinian Authority is recognized by the United Nations as the representative of the Palestinian people of Gaza and the West Bank. However, Hamas seized and gained control of Gaza following its members' victory in the 2006 legislative elections.

Saleh's appeal came as basic supplies to Gaza, including food, water and electricity, are reportedly depleting; while foreign nationals, including Filipinos, seeking to leave the territory remain trapped as Gaza's borders are sealed off.

The Israeli Embassy in Manila on Thursday said it is still "too early" for Tel Aviv to consider opening humanitarian corridors as war rages.

There are 137 Filipinos in Gaza. Most of them are spouses of Palestinians, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Out of them, 70 already signified their intent to be repatriated, DFA added.

"Gaza is under a blockade. No one [is] coming in or out," Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said in a text message.

He added that the Philippine government is now "using diplomacy to find means to get them the means to exit Gaza."

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Israel HAMAS Palestine
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