Sen. Robinhood Padilla said on Thursday, Nov. 23 that he is one with the whole world in praying for the realization of a ceasefire - or “urgent and extended” humanitarian pauses - between Israel and the militant group Hamas.
This was after the United Nations (UN) Security Council passed a resolution Wednesday calling for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas and for urgent and extended humanitarian corridors throughout the enclave to save and protect civilian lives.
It adopted resolution 2712 on the Israel-Palestine crisis that began in October, calling for “urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors” in Gaza for “a sufficient number of days” to allow full, rapid, safe and unhindered access for UN agencies and partners.
"It is heartbreaking to learn of what is happening to the innocent and defenseless victims of war, especially the children and the youth. It is also appalling that even hospitals and refugee centers are not spared from the offensives," the senator said in a statement.
Citing information from the Al Jazeera channel, he said that more than 14,000 have died in the said conflict - about 6,000 of them children and youths.
"During this time when many nations are stressing the importance of mental health, it is very concerning that the violence of this conflict will have mentally scarred young children," Padilla said.
"Again, I pray - we pray - for understanding, so that there will be such a ceasefire between the two sides," he added.