153 countries, including the Philippines, supported the resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza that was overwhelmingly passed by the UN General Assembly on 12 December 2023
The Philippines voted in favor of UN Resolution 181 recommending the partition of Palestine and the establishment of a Jewish State in 1947. The Philippines was among the 33 countries who supported the establishment of Israel and the only Asian country who voted for the resolution.[2]
The Philippines established diplomatic relations with Palestine as the government of the Philippines recognized Palestinian statehood on 4 September 1989.[3][4] Even while the political unrest has called into question the Israeli-Palestinian conflict's centrality in the Middle East, the Philippines and the rest of the world will be affected greatly by the peace process's success or failure. The Philippines' diplomatic ties with Israel have not yet been put in jeopardy by its recognition of Palestine. The Iron Dome missile interception system and Israel's safety measures are advantageous to Filipinos, but they nevertheless leave them open to deliberate and random attacks on civilian targets. Filipinos in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are far more vulnerable to becoming casualties of conflict and disturbances. Because of the unpredictability of the situation, the Philippines must make the necessary arrangements to support its citizens in the event that hostilities rise.[5]
The Philippines was among the 138 countries that voted in favor of the United Nations General Assembly resolution 67/19 recognizing Palestine as a non-member state. "The Philippines supports Palestine's quest for self-rule and self-determination, and we hope that one day an independent Palestine may live side by side in peace with its neighbors," DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez wrote in a text message.[6]
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte promised on June 20, 2020, that the Philippines will maintain "friendly and cooperative" relations with five nations, including Palestine. Along with welcoming Saleh Asad Saleh Fhied Mohammad, the first Palestinian ambassador to the Philippines, Duterte also saw the reopening of Palestine's embassy in Manila as the beginning of a "new chapter in Philippines-Palestine relations" last year. According to the Palace, Duterte anticipated that the Philippines and Palestine's relationship would result in productive cooperation in a number of sectors of shared interest.[7]
Enrique Manalo, the Philippines' then-envoy to the UN, made the following statement on 25 May 2021, in front of the UN General Assembly: "The Philippines has always expressed support for the creation of the State of Palestine living in peace and security with its neighbors." The Philippines reiterates its support for a two-state solution in this area.[8]
Following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel where four Filipinos were among those killed and two more were among those taken hostage, the Philippines has consistently shown support for Israel and denounced the brutal crimes done to Israelis.[9][10] The Philippines abstained from voting for a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for a humanitarian truce in Gaza, due to the lack of explicit condemnation on Hamas' initial attacks on October 7.[11]
On 12 December 2023, A UN resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages in Gaza has received support from the Philippines. During the emergency special session of the UN, Antonio Lagdameo, the Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN, stated that although the Philippines denounces the October 7 attacks carried out by Hamas, the country feels that it is imperative to follow international humanitarian law, particularly the principles of proportionality and distinction in response to security threats.[12]
Trade
Philippines sold products worth $550 thousand to Palestine in 2021. Computers ($395 thousand), shaving goods ($48.5 thousand), and vegetable saps ($27.6 thousand) were the top exports from the Philippines to Palestine. The Philippines' exports to Palestine have grown at an average rate of 1.22% over the past 14 years, from $402 thousand in 2007 to $550 thousand in 2021.[13]
^Embassies & consulates in the Philippines. Best of the Philippines. 1995. ISBN971-91516-0-9., p219: "The State of Palestine is recognized by over one hundred states including the Republic of the Philippines. In September 1989, diplomatic relations were established between the two governments leading to the opening of the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Manila, May 1990."
