Palestinian Envoy Urges Philippines to Press Israel for Gaza Resolution

Palestinian Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Mounir Y.K. Anastas.

Palestinian Envoy Urges Philippines to Press Israel for Gaza Resolution

By Bing Jabadan – Thenationweek.com  

June 27, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – Palestinian Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Mounir Y.K. Anastas, called on the Philippine government to exert pressure on Israel to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. In an exclusive interview on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, with GMA Integrated News’ award-winning anchor Ms. Pia Arcangel, Ambassador Anastas emphasized the need for Israel to “respect the humanitarian question in Gaza, especially, and in the West Bank as well.”

The appeal comes as international concern mounts over the ongoing conflict and its devastating impact on Palestinian civilians. Ambassador Anastas acknowledged the Philippine government’s existing efforts, stating, “We are really thankful for the President and the government, since they made several statements asking for a ceasefire and for humanitarian aid to arrive in Gaza. So, the Philippines is doing its best.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously voiced his concerns at the 2nd ASEAN–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Malaysia, highlighting the rising civilian death toll, including women and children, and the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. Marcos urged all parties to adhere to international law, emphasizing the protection of civilians and the facilitation of humanitarian assistance.

“Everybody was asking Israel for the ceasefire first and to allow the humanitarian aid to arrive to the population while Israel was using food and water as weapons,” Anastas asserted, condemning the alleged actions as “completely immoral; it is inhuman; it is unacceptable.”

The Ambassador also addressed the recent tensions between Israel and Iran, questioning the timing of the Israeli attack. “Why did Israel attack Iran right now, knowing that for decades Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was always saying Iran was too close to having or possessing nuclear weapons?” he asked, noting the attack occurred shortly before scheduled nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran.

The Gaza conflict, sparked by a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with over 54,000 Palestinians reportedly killed, according to Gaza health authorities. The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly demanded an immediate ceasefire and aid access to the region.

Despite the challenges, Ambassador Anastas remains committed to the two-state solution, advocating for a Palestinian state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. He stressed the need for a change within Israel, stating that the current government’s opposition to the solution poses a significant obstacle.