PH urges unhindered humanitarian aid access to Gaza

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

The DFA said the humanitarian aid must reach the civilian population of Gaza – particularly the most vulnerable, including the sick, women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities – “without discrimination and in accordance with international humanitarian law”. (File Photo By Lawrence Ruiz, CC BY-SA 4.0)

MANILA –The Philippines on Friday called for the “full, safe, rapid, and unhindered delivery” of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip amid mounting concerns over famine and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Following Israel’s decision on May 18 to allow limited aid deliveries through the United Nations after over 11 weeks of a total blockade, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the provision of humanitarian aid must remain under the leadership of the United Nations and other internationally mandated actors.

“Humanitarian response must be based on impartial needs assessments and guided by the principles of neutrality, humanity, and accountability,” the department said in a statement.

“The Philippines calls on all parties to support the United Nations in meeting its humanitarian mandate. Safeguarding the operational integrity, independence, and effectiveness of UN entities is essential to preserving the legitimacy and credibility of the UN system and its ability to respond meaningfully to humanitarian needs around the world,” it added.

The DFA said the humanitarian aid must reach the civilian population of Gaza – particularly the most vulnerable, including the sick, women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities – “without discrimination and in accordance with international humanitarian law”.

Reaffirming its support for peace, the Philippines reiterated its backing of a two-state solution based on UN General Assembly Resolution 181 and other relevant UN resolutions as the only viable path toward lasting peace in the region.

“We continue to support a two-state solution, consistent with United Nations General Assembly Resolution 181 and other relevant UN resolutions, as the only viable path toward a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the region,” it added.

The UN earlier warned of a rapidly deteriorating food security crisis in Gaza after Israel imposed the blockade on March 2, which entailed a ban on entry of supplies, including medicine and food.

On May 21, about 198 trucks of critical items such as flour and nutritional supplies were able to enter Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said about 90 truckloads of goods were collected by humanitarian organizations for distribution.

The UN body, however, said significant challenges remain in the loading and dispatching of goods due to “insecurity, the risk of looting, delays in coordination approvals and inappropriate routes” being provided by Israeli forces that are not viable for the movement of cargo.