The Philippines voted to abstain from the United Nations General Assembly or UNGA resolution on "protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations" in the ongoing crisis in Gaza due to the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas militants. 

Passed with 120 votes in favor, the resolution is demanding immediate assistance access to ground-zero Gaza Strip and protection of civilians. There were 14 no votes, including by Israel and the United States, and 45 abstentions.

The General Assembly voted after the Security Council failed four times in the past two weeks to take action.

During the voting, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations Antonio Lagdameo underscored that the Philippines "condoles with all victims and their families and prays for a peaceful resolution of this conflict."

"However, as we would condemn all terrorist attacks, the resolution does not mention nor condemn the terrorist attack of 7 October by Hamas leading to the deaths of innocent civilians, including women and children, as well as Filipinos," said Lagdameo.

"Therefore, despite commendable efforts of the co-sponsors to improve the original text, for these reasons, my delegation abstained on the resolution," he added. 

Lagdameo reiterated the country's position and urged the Security Council to endorse and support coordinated efforts with UN entities for the "safe evacuation and protection of migrants in conflict zones." 

"The Philippines firmly supports a two-state solution, consistently aligned with past international agreements and relevant UN resolutions," he said.

"Both Israelis and Palestinians deserve a future where their rights, aspirations, and security are recognized and upheld," he added. 

In its statement on Saturday, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan described the Philippine government's abstention on the resolution as "shameful" and accused the government officials of having "no regard" for human rights abroad.

In a separate statement on Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs explained that the Philippines' abstention on the vote was due to the "notable absence of a factual mention in the resolution of the terrorist attacks on 7 October, in which Filipinos were killed."

"In regard of this Philippine interest, we supported Canada's proposal to achieve more balance in the draft, with a factual reference to, and condemnation of, the 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas that killed many innocent civilians including Filipinos working and living in Israel," the department's statement reads. 

The DFA said Canada's proposal was supported by 88 states. 

"But we regret that it fell short of 8 more votes that would have seen this critical element, which is important to the Philippines as to other countries, reflected in an important UN resolution," it added. 

The DFA underscored that it continues "to support efforts of the UN, particularly the UN Security Council, the UN humanitarian system and the global community, to decisively put a stop to the alarming deaths and suffering in Gaza and Israel."

The Philippines is keen to assist those in need of humanitarian help, and restore peace and normalcy to the lives of millions of people affected by this crisis, it added. 

The DFA emphasized that the Philippines has issued a number of statements on the developments in Israel and Gaza, in solidarity with the global community, "calling for swift action to address the scale of human suffering that is affecting populations on both sides."