An Israeli official acknowledged that the Philippines’ recent vote at the UN General Assembly calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and President Marcos’ appeal for humanitarian aid are reactions to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
Sagi Karni, head of the Bureau for Southeast Asia and India at Israel’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, said the casualties seen in Gaza influence public sentiment and reflect the prolonged conflict.
While the Philippines initially supported Israel’s right to self-defense after the October 2023 Hamas attack, its stance shifted in mid-2025 to favor an immediate ceasefire and aid access.
Karni expressed frustration over global criticism of Israel, emphasizing the need for “moral clarity” given that Filipinos were among the victims of the Hamas attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu outlined a post-war vision for Gaza, including demilitarization, Israeli security control, and the establishment of a civilian administration aimed at peace.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 12, 2025
