Philippines Abstains from UNGA Resolution on Israel-Gaza Crisis, Cites Lack of Mention of Hamas Attack

MANILA: The Philippine government has declared its continued support for international efforts aimed at ending the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Gaza. However, it abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution, citing the resolution’s failure to mention a specific attack by Hamas on October 7.

According to a new release by Philippines News Agency, the Philippines supports efforts by the UN Security Council, UN humanitarian system, and the global community to put an end to the crisis. The abstention came during a vote on a Jordanian-led UNGA resolution calling for an “immediate, durable, and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities,” which was adopted with 120 votes against 14 and 45 abstentions. The DFA stated that while the Philippines voted in favor of a Canadian amendment seeking a more balanced draft that included the mention of the Hamas attack, the amendment fell short by eight votes.

Explaining the Philippines’ abstention, Antonio Lagdameo, the Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, said that the resolution failed to mention or condemn the October 7 attack by Hamas that resulted in approximately 1,400 deaths, including Filipinos, in Israel. Lagdameo also conveyed that the Philippines genuinely shares the international community’s concern over the situation and condones with all victims and their families. He noted that the Philippines acknowledges Israel’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Data from the UN cites the Ministry of Health in Gaza reporting that 6,547 have been killed in Gaza since hostilities began. Lagdameo called for all parties to respect international humanitarian law, expressing concern over the destruction of health and medical facilities and the increase in human suffering. He also called for the swift release of over 200 hostages in Gaza, suspected to include two Filipinos.

Israel’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Gilad Erdan, stated there would be no discussions with Hamas and that Israel would take necessary actions to eradicate Hamas’ capabilities and secure the release of hostages.