Marcos calls for diplomatic solutions to Middle East conflict

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PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday called for a halt to violence in Gaza and pushed for diplomatic solutions to the Middle East conflict as the Philippines joined the international community in observing the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on November 29.

The President, in a message, said the Philippines stands united with the Palestinian people in their aspiration for enduring peace and prosperity.

“We are gravely concerned over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the increasing tensions in the Middle East. We urge all parties to refrain from escalating the violence and to work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” he said.

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The President, last month during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Laos, called for de-escalation of violence and pursuit of a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the Middle East.

The conflict was triggered by an attack in October last year on Israel communities by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. It has spread to Lebanon where the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah waged war with Israel. Yesterday, Israel and Hezbollah reached a ceasefire agreement.

Marcos condemned all attacks against civilians and civilian structures which he said have resulted in an alarming number of casualties, particularly women and children, as well as restricted access to food, water, medicine, and other basic needs.

According to the health ministry in Gaza, over 44,00 people have been killed since the war between Israel and Hamas started last year.

“We call for rapid, safe, unimpeded, and sustained humanitarian access to all those in need. Diplomacy remains the cornerstone of achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. We recognize that the conflict can only be resolved through diplomatic engagement, dialogue, and comprehensive negotiations rooted in international law,” he said.

The President said the Philippines fully supports all initiatives are geared towards the revival of the peace process and the achievement of a lasting and just solution to the Middle East conflict.

“We urge all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with a view to realizing the two-state solution,” Marcos said.

The International Day of Solidarity, according to the UNESCO website, “traditionally provides an opportunity for the international community to focus its attention on the fact that the question of Palestine remains unresolved and that the Palestinian people have yet to attain their inalienable rights as defined by the General Assembly, namely, the right to self-determination without external interference, the right to national independence and sovereignty, and the right to return to their homes and property, from which they have been displaced.”

It said the date of November 29, “which was chosen because of its meaning and significance to the Palestinian people, is based on the call by the United Nations General Assembly for an annual observance of the resolution on the partition of Palestine. What has become known as the Partition Plan or the Resolution 181 (II), intended to establish an Arab State and a Jewish State, and was adopted on 29 November 1947.”

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