PH welcomes UN Security Council resolution on Gaza ceasefire
By Raymund Antonio and Raymund Antonio
The Philippines has welcomed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution that calls for an immediate ceasefire in war-torn Gaza, saying it was “long overdue” and must be implemented “immediately.”
DFA (File Photo/MANILA BULLETIN)
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, March 26, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo expressed the government’s support for the resolution, which also calls for the release of hostages and aid provisions.
“I welcome the Security Council’s decisive adoption of a resolution for immediate ceasefire, unconditional release of all hostages, and unhampered humanitarian assistance in Gaza,” he wrote.
“This is long overdue and must be implemented by all parties immediately,” the DFA chief added.
On Monday, March 25, the UNSC adopted the resolution with one abstention from the United States while the remaining 14 members voted in favor.
This is the first time the US did not veto the resolution as its policy in the Israel-Hamas war begins to shift with the escalating death toll in Gaza now reported at 32,000 of mainly women and children.
Reports also said some two million people have been displaced because of the ongoing violence and Israel’s bombardment.
In his post, Manalo also stressed that “the humanitarian crisis demands swift (and) unified action from the int(ernationa)l community.”
“The prompt implementation of the measures contained in the resolution will urgently relieve the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire, and bring forth prospects for lasting peace,” he added.
The current war broke out after Hamas attacked Israeli communities last October 2023, killing about 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and taking 253 into Gaza as hostages.
Of those taken, 130 remain unaccounted for after a series of releases, rescues, and the recovery of bodies.