Phl’s UNGA abstention hailed

The Philippines voted to abstain from the controversial United Nations General Assembly, or UNGA, resolution on the "protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations" in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

Passed with a vote of 120 in favor, 14 against — including Israel and the United States — and 45 abstentions, the resolution demanded an immediate humanitarian truce to help the civilians in the war zone.

The UNGA voted after the Security Council failed four times in the past two weeks to pass a resolution on the raging war.

During the voting, Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN 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, which led to the deaths of innocent civilians, including women and children, as well as Filipinos," Lagdameo said.

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

Positive message

Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss said he sees the Philippines' abstention as sending a positive message to point out that some crucial elements were not included in the resolution.

"At the end of the day, however, we would like to see all countries voting against the resolution, but, of course, we appreciate it very much that the Philippines did not support the resolution, and we appreciate it very much that the country abstained," Fluss 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."

Two-state solution put forward

"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 a separate statement, 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."

"Regarding 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 living and working in Israel," the DFA statement read.

Canadian option

The DFA said 88 states supported Canada's proposal.

"But we regret that it fell short of eight 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 said.

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."

It added that 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.

The DFA emphasized that the Philippines has issued several 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."