The Philippine government has made contact with Filipinos in Gaza after a communication blackout. These individuals reported that their access to water has become increasingly difficult. Out of the 136 Filipinos in Gaza, 49 remain unreachable, but the embassy is actively working to establish contact with them.
The absence of humanitarian aid convoys has worsened the situation in Gaza. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees reported that no aid was able to enter Gaza on October 28 due to the blackout.
Despite a non-binding resolution for a humanitarian truce, bombardment continues in Gaza as Israel aims to dismantle Hamas.
The Philippine government abstained from voting on the resolution, highlighting the lack of condemnation for Hamas’ cross-border attack that resulted in the deaths of over a thousand people, including four Filipinos.
During a meeting with the Dutch Foreign Minister, the Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary emphasized the country’s decision to abstain, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these attacks as acts of terrorism.
Both officials called for humanitarian pauses and the establishment of corridors to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 31, 2023
