Palestine welcomes PH call vs. Israel's planned Gaza takeover

Palestine's top diplomat to Manila on Wednesday welcomed the Philippines' statement calling out Israel for its planned military takeover of Gaza, restrictions on aid access, massive military offensives, and ongoing settlement expansion in the West Bank.

Ambassador Mounir Anastas called Manila's position, which was issued through a statement by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday, a "firm and principled stance."

"This statement aligns with the urgent appeals made by the United Nations and other international bodies, which have highlighted the systematic deterioration of conditions in Gaza, including mass displacement, targeted attacks on journalists, on civilian infrastructure, and a man-made famine," Anastas said in a statement.

"The recognition of these injustices reinforces the importance of holding Israel accountable for its violations of international humanitarian law."

Echoing the calls and sentiments of multiple countries on Israel's actions, the Philippines said it joins the international community "in its urgent call for an end to the ever-worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza."

In its strongest rebuke so far against Israel, the Philippines said it is "deeply concerned by recent developments, including the Israeli government's planned full military takeover of Gaza, the continuing restrictions on access to life-saving humanitarian aid such as food and water, large-scale displacement, attacks affecting civilians, and reports of settlement expansion in the West Bank."

Such actions "aggravate an already dire humanitarian situation and further diminish prospects for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East," Manila said.

It "strongly" called on Israel "to heed the ceasefire proposal as a crucial step to protect civilians and revive the path to peace."

Israel's embassy in Manila has not issued an official statement when sought for comment since Monday, but referred GMA News Online to a previous press release debunking accusations that it is blocking aid to Gaza.

"Israel remains firmly committed to ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in Gaza," its press release said, adding nearly 2 million tons of supplies have entered the strip.

Israel's devastating offensives in Gaza since October 2023 has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, including women and children, according to Gaza health officials.

It has sparked global criticisms of Israel, accusing it of genocide, forced famine and war crimes–allegations Israeli officials deny.

Last Monday, five journalists working for international media were among the 20 people killed in Israel's latest military strike on a hospital in southern Gaza, prompting outrage from media organizations.

The armed conflict in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. Around 50 hostages are still being held.

"The current crisis is not merely a serious humanitarian issue but also political one, rooted in decades of occupation and oppression," said Anastas as he called on countries "to support concrete measures such as arms embargoes, sanctions, and diplomatic pressure" against Israel.

"The Palestinian people remain committed to a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, with East Jerusalem as our capital. We hope the Philippines' stance will inspire other nations to similarly prioritize justice over politics and take decisive action to end the suffering in the occupied Palestinian territory," the envoy said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News