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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DFA says Israel-Hamas peace plan a 'monumental step' in war de-escalation

DFA says Israel-Hamas peace plan a 'monumental step' in war de-escalation

Published Oct 11, 2025 09:18 am  |  Updated Oct 11, 2025 01:59 pm
Displaced Palestinians walk with their belongings past destroyed buildings as they return to their homes in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, after Israel and Hamas agreed to a pause in their war and the release of the remaining hostages. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)
Displaced Palestinians walk with their belongings past destroyed buildings as they return to their homes in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, after Israel and Hamas agreed to a pause in their war and the release of the remaining hostages. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)
The Philippines welcomes the Israel-Hamas peace plan, calling it a “monumental step” toward the de-escalation of the conflict there, and expressed hope for a long-term stability in a region critical to maritime trade.

In a statement on Friday, Oct. 10, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed support for the peace deal and congratulated the “peacemakers.”

“The Department of Foreign Affairs welcomes the announcement of the Israel-Hamas peace plan, which represents a monumental step towards de-escalation and breathes fresh hopes for all those affected in the region, especially the hostages and the people in Gaza,” the statement read.

“The persistent diplomatic efforts by the mediators – the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey – bringing about the necessary pause in the hostilities and securing the release of hostages,” it added.

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, United States President Donald Trump announced that Israel and militant group Hamas had agreed on the first phase of his Gaza peace plan.

According to the plan, the Palestinian militant group would release all hostages while Israel would pull its troops back to an agreed-upon line.

On Friday, thousands of Palestinians began returning to northern Gaza as the Israel-Hamas ceasefire has taken effect.

The Philippines hopes this initial step will usher in long-term peace and stability in the region, where 2 million Filipinos live and thousands of seafarers sail through.

Newly-installed Israel Ambassador to Manila Dana Kursh, in an interview on the sidelines of the celebration of the Feast of the Tabernacles last Oct. 9, urged the Philippines to lift the current Travel Alert Level 2 on Israel.

The envoy assured that the country is “safe” and invited Filipinos to visit.

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DFA CEASEFIRE Israel-Hamas war
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