Members of the League of Filipino Students (LFS) light candles at the Commission of Human Rights in Quezon City on October 21, 2023 for the thousands killed in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday expressed the Philippines’ "grave concern" over Israel’s ongoing military operations in the Gaza strip as he called on both parties to comply with international laws.
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During his intervention at the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Marcos emphasized protection and facilitation of humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the war in Gaza.
“The Philippines is gravely concerned over Israel's ongoing military operations across the Gaza Strip, which have resulted in the continued rise of the death of civilians, including women and children, and further exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation of the ground,” Marcos said.
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“The Philippines calls upon all parties to adhere to their obligations under international law, with particular emphasis on the protection of civilians, especially women and children, and the facilitation of humanitarian assistance to all those who are in need," he added.
Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) called for the "full, safe, rapid, and unhindered" delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilian in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
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Meanwhile, Marcos also commended the GCC’s increasing involvement and endeavors in peacemaking and in peace-building amid challenges to peace and security in various regions of the world.
“These efforts have contributed to the enhancement of global security and stability through mediation, dialogue, and diplomacy, resulting in peace agreements, prisoner exchanges, and family reunifications,” he said.
Among the delegates of the GCC at the summit is Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, who currently chairs the GCC.
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