By Marita Moaje
MANILA – The Philippine government has joined the international community in urgently calling for an end to the “ever-worsening humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza amid continuing conflict in the area.
In a statement on Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) strongly urged Israel to accept the ceasefire proposal put forward by the international community, describing it as a “crucial step to protect civilians and revive the path to peace.”
“The Philippines 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,” the DFA said.
“These developments aggravate an already dire humanitarian situation and further diminish prospects for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.”
Last week, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also renewed his appeal for a ceasefire, warning that a full assault on Gaza City would cause “massive death and destruction”.
The UN said there are still around 1 million people living in Gaza.
Data from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) shows that since March this year, after the ceasefire collapsed, nearly one in every three children in Gaza City is now malnourished, while mass displacement is underway.
Meanwhile, various aid groups have warned of famine and disease as humanitarian convoys face access restrictions.
“The Philippines, therefore, strongly calls on Israel to heed the ceasefire proposal as a crucial step to protect civilians and revive the path to peace,” the DFA said. (PNA)
