Phl backs UN reso for Gaza truce
Ambassador Antonio Manuel Lagdameo said, ‘It is imperative that any military action consider the impact on civilians and strives to minimize, if not eliminate, collateral damage’
Daily TribuneAmbassador Antonio Manuel Lagdameo said, ‘It is imperative that any military action consider the impact on civilians and strives to minimize, if not eliminate, collateral damage’
The Philippines has voted in favor of a United Nations resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
During the UN General Assembly's emergency special session on Tuesday (US time), a total of 153 countries, including the Philippines, backed the resolution that also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
In his speech before the UNGA, Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN Antonio Manuel Lagdameo said that while the Philippines condemned the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel, it "emphasizes adherence to international humanitarian law, especially the principles of proportionality and distinction in response to security threats."
"It is imperative that any military action consider the impact on civilians and strives to minimize, if not eliminate, collateral damage," Lagdameo added.
He stressed that the Philippines is "deeply concerned" about the humanitarian situation in the besieged Palestinian territory, which attacks from the Israel Defense Forces have pummeled.
"The Philippines believes that a humanitarian ceasefire is crucial to halt the loss of life and suffering," he said. "This ceasefire is a necessary step to facilitate the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to all affected civilians, irrespective of their affiliation."
He added: "We call on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians, especially women and children. Upholding these laws is essential to ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals affected by this conflict."
The Philippines, he said, is interested in contributing to a "solution that respects the rights and needs of both Palestinian and Israeli civilians."
"We advocate for a peaceful resolution that upholds international law and leads to lasting peace and security in the region," he said.
In October, the Philippines, along with 45 other countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, and Canada, abstained from voting on a UN resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The DFA said the omission of the terror acts committed by the Hamas extremist group in Israel, which left more than 1,200 Israelis dead, including four Filipinos, was the reason the Philippines had abstained from voting in favor of the resolution.
Of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, only Cambodia abstained in the latest vote, along with Ukraine, Argentina, Germany, Bulgaria, Lithuania, and South Sudan.
Meanwhile, only 10 countries, such as the United States, Israel, Austria, Nauru, Czechia, Liberia, Guatemala, Papua New Guinea, Peru and Micronesia, voted against the resolution.
Daily Tribune sought comment from the Israel Embassy in Manila but has yet to respond as of press time.