The Philippines has voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly resolution demanding for immediate ceasefire in war-torn Gaza, a reversal of its abstention months ago of a resolution calling for a “humanitarian truce” between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said the Philippines is among 153 member-states that voted for the resolution at the UNGA emergency special session on Tuesday (New York time). Ten voted against, including Israel and the United States, while 23 abstained.
Meanwhile, Senator Robinhood Padilla has filed a resolution urging the Senate to call for a sustained ceasefire and adherence to International humanitarian law in Gaza amid the on-going war between Israeli and Hamas forces.
Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN Antonio Lagdameo said the country continues to condemn the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks of Hamas even as he emphasized the need to adhere 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 strive to minimize, if not eliminate, collateral damage,” Lagdameo said.
“We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza,” he added.
Lagdameo said the Philippines believes a humanitarian ceasefire is “crucial to halt the loss of life and suffering” and is a necessary step to facilitate the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to all civilians.
“We call on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians especially women and children,” Lagdameo said.
“Upholding these laws is essential in ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals affected by this conflict,” he added.
Lagdameo also reiterated Manila’s commitment to a two-state 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 stressed.
The Philippines earlier abstained from voting on a UNGA resolution calling for humanitarian truce due to the lack of mention of the Hamas attack.
In explaining the change in its vote, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Wednesday cited as reason the focus on the “humanitarian” factor.
The UN said the resolutions passed by the UNGA, though not legally binding on nations, “carry immense moral weight, representing the collective resolve of the UN membership on a matter of grave importance.”
In his opening statement, UNGA President Dennis Francis underscored that even wars have rules and the combatants must not deviate from the core principles and values.
He said there was now “an onslaught on civilians, the breakdown of humanitarian systems and profound disrespect for international law and international humanitarian law” being shown by combatants.
“We have one singular priority – only one – to save lives. Stop this violence now,” he said.
Padilla filed Senate Resolution 880 on Dec. 5, barely two months after the attacks launched by Hamas on October 7.
He noted the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 271 on Nov. 15 calling for “urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors through the Gaza Strip to facilitate the provision of essential goods and services.”
He also mentioned the joint call of various heads of United Nations bodies for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, as Israeli airstrikes escalated after nearly a month of conflict. The signatories of the joint call included the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the chiefs of the World Health Organization and the UN Aid.
Padilla also noted the statements of the United States “emphasizing” the need to uphold international humanitarian law.
“The U.S. is urging Israel to take additional measures to ensure the protection of innocent civilians during its military operations in Gaza, highlighting the imperative of minimizing harm to non-combatants,” Padilla said in his resolution.
The UN on Tuesday demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war after three-quarters of the 193-member General Assembly backed the move, according to a Reuters report.
Agence France Presse on Monday reported that 18,200 Palestinians and 104 Israeli soldiers have been recorded dead due to the on-going war between Israel and Hamas.