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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH votes Yes on UN's Gaza ceasefire resolution

PH votes Yes on UN's Gaza ceasefire resolution

Published Dec 13, 2023 07:58 am

The Philippines voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in war-torn Gaza, months after it abstained from a call for an “immediate humanitarian truce” between Israel and Hamas.

Gaza_bombing.jpgSmoke billows from the Gaza's Rafah border crossing Egypt during an Israeli airstrike on October 10, 2023. (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP)

In a statement read by Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Antonio Lagdameo, the Philippines stood with 153 member-states that voted for the UNGA resolution during the emergency special session on Tuesday, Dec. 12 (New York time).

Ten countries, including the United States and Israel, voted against the resolution, while 23 abstained.

“We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Philippines believes that a humanitarian ceasefire is crucial to halt the loss of life and suffering. This ceasefire is a necessary step to facilitate the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to all affected civilians, irrespective of their affiliation,” Lagdameo said.

He, however, stressed that the Philippines “condemn” the “terrorist attacks perpetuated by Hamas” last Oct. 7, wherein 1,400 people were killed during an ambush in southern Israel. Of that number, four were Filipinos.

The official said “the Philippines emphasizes adherence to International Humanitarian Law, especially the principles of proportionality and distinction in response to security threats.”

“It is imperative that any military action consider the impact on civilians and strives to minimize, if not eliminate, collateral damage,” he added.

In October this year, the Philippines abstained from the UNGA’s call for an “immediate humanitarian truce” in Gaza because the resolution failed to condemn the terrorist attacks, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier explained.

Lagdameo, in his speech, called on all parties “to comply with their obligations under international law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians especially women and children.”

He emphasized that “upholding these laws is essential in ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals affected by this conflict.”

The ambassador also said that the Philippines want to contribute to a solution in the Israel-Gaza conflict, but maintained that the solution must respect the rights and needs of both Palestinians and Israelis.

“We advocate for a peaceful resolution that upholds international law and leads to lasting peace and security in the region,” he added.

More than 17,700 people in Gaza have died due to the retaliation by Israel after the Oct. 7 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas. The fresh wave of ambushes comes after the breakdown of the negotiations to extend a Qatar-negotiated truce that saw the release of some hostages, including two Filipinos.

The failed extension of the temporary ceasefire agreement, however, meant a deeper humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where not only tens of thousands have died but 81 percent of its 1.7 million population have been displaced and thousands of children orphaned.

Related Tags

United Nations General Assembly GAZA Hamas attack CEASEFIRE Antonio Lagdameo
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