By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Departing from the country’s previous abstention, the Philippines has now voted in favor of a United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution Tuesday (Wednesday in the Philippines) demanding a ceasefire in Gaza where — according to the Palestinian health ministry — close to 18,000 people have been killed in Israeli retaliatory strikes.
Maharlika NuMedia gathered that the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution with 153 votes in favor of a ceasefire in Gaza, while 10 countries including the United States and Israel voted against it.
In his speech, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN Antonio Manuel Lagdameo said that while the country condemns the October 7 “terrorists” attacks perpetrated by Hamas, “the Philippines emphasizes adherence to International Humanitarian Law, especially the principles of proportionality and distinction in response to security threats.”
He stressed: “It is imperative that any military action consider the impact on civilians and strives to minimize, if not eliminate collateral damage.”
Lagdameo urged all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians, especially women and children.
“We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Philippines believes that a humanitarian ceasefire is crucial to halt the loss of life and suffering. This ceasefire is a necessary step to facilitate the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to all affected civilians, irrespective of their affiliation,” he added.
Lagdameo further said the Philippines seeks to contribute 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 clarified.
In reaction, the Palestinian envoy to the UN Riyad Mansour said the vote favoring ceasefire in Gaza marked “a historic day in terms of the powerful message that was sent from the General Assembly.”
Noticeably, the UN Security Council — responsible for global peace and security — has repeatedly failed to make such a call for a ceasefire.
(ai/mnm)