Manila: A Senate resolution filed on Monday condemned the inhumane treatment, deliberate starvation, and mass killings of Palestinian civilians in occupied territories. The resolution called for accountability under international humanitarian law and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid.
According to Philippines News Agency, the resolution, filed as Senate Resolution No. 1366 and authored by Robinhood Padilla, expresses the Senate's strong condemnation of human rights violations and international norms amid worsening conditions in Gaza caused by sustained Israeli military operations and blockades.
Padilla emphasized the importance of the Philippines making a strong statement against the systematic killing of innocent lives, destruction of infrastructure, and obstruction of humanitarian aid access, citing these as grave violations of international humanitarian law. He referenced Section 2, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, highlighting the Philippines' commitment to renouncing war and upholding peace, justice, and civilian protection.
The resolution draws attention to the Philippines' longstanding commitment to international humanitarian principles, noting the country's ratification of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and its role in shaping the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Data from United Nations bodies and the World Health Organization report widespread destruction in Gaza, with significant damage to commercial facilities, schools, hospitals, roads, and croplands.
The blockade in place since March has severely restricted the entry of essential supplies, contributing to acute hunger and famine-like conditions for over two million Palestinians. The resolution also references the Department of Foreign Affairs' statement urging for the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza civilians.
Since the start of the conflict, over 54,000 Palestinians have been confirmed killed, including 17,400 children, with more than 123,000 injured. A deadly incident from June 1 to 3 saw at least 60 Palestinians killed while attempting to collect food from a humanitarian facility, leading to the suspension of operations by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
UN Human Rights chief Volker Trk was quoted, highlighting the dire choice faced by Palestinians: risking death by starvation or being killed while accessing limited food supplies. The Senate resolution concludes with a formal condemnation of these acts and a renewed call for respect for human rights, accountability for international humanitarian law violations, and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid.
