DFA STATEMENT
28 OCTOBER 2023
The Philippines has issued a number of statements on the developments in Israel and Gaza, in solidarity with the global community in calling for swift action to address the scale of human suffering that is affecting populations on both sides.
The Philippines, together with the members of ASEAN and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also issued a Leaders’ statement https://asean.org/asean-gcc-statement-on-developments-in-gaza/ on this subject on 20 October during the ASEAN-GCC Summit in Riyadh.
The Philippines delivered two statements this week in New York during the UN Security Council open debate on 24 October https://www.un.int/philippines/statements_speeches/security-council-open-debate-middle-east-including-question-palestine and the 10th Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly on 27 October https://twitter.com/phmissionny/status/1718085266223604120?s=48&t=nYII8gVtRXVEOO_h3Mt3pw.
The resolution, ES-10/L.25 adopted by the UN General Assembly on 27 October has many elements which the Philippines supports.
The resolution takes on board sentiments that the Philippines shares with the global community - as conveyed in our statements, - including grave concerns on acts of violence against all civilians, calls for all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, the urgency of access for humanitarian assistance to address the large-scale needs in Gaza, and the immediate and unconditional release of innocent civilians being held captive. It also affirms long-standing support for a two-State solution with a safe and independent Palestine and a secure Israel living in peace.
The Philippine abstained on the vote because of the notable absence of a factual mention in the resolution of the terrorist attacks on 07 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. 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.
We continue 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, assist those in need of humanitarian help, and restore peace and normalcy to the lives of millions of people affected by this crisis. END