August 28, 2025 | 1:22pm

This picture taken from a position on the Israeli border with the Gaza Strip, shows the sun setting behind destroyed buildings in the embattled territory, on August 27, 2025, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

AFP / Jack Guez

MANILA, Philippines — The Palestinian ambassador in Manila has welcomed the Philippines’ expression of concern over Israel’s planned full military takeover of Gaza amid its ongoing humanitarian crisis, saying he hopes it will encourage other nations to similarly “prioritize justice over politics.” 

Ambassador Mounir Y.K. Anastas called the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) statement on the situation in Gaza a “firm and principled stance” — one he hopes will push reluctant governments to take action against Israel’s operations in Gaza.

“We deeply appreciate the Philippines’ unequivocal call for an immediate end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and its concern regarding Israel’s planned full military takeover, restrictions on aid access, forced displacement, and ongoing settlement expansion in the West Bank,” Anastas said in a statement on Wednesday, August 27. 

“We hope the Philippines’ stance will inspire other nations to similarly prioritize justice over politics and take decisive action to end the suffering in the occupied Palestinian territory,” the ambassador added.

The Palestinian ambassador’s remarks came two days after the DFA went a step further beyond its typically measured diplomatic tone to express “deep concern” over “the Israeli government’s planned full military takeover of Gaza.”

Besides issuing a “strong call” for Israel to comply with the ceasefire, the DFA also called for a swift end to the “ever-worsening humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza. It expressed concern over continuing restrictions on life-saving food and aid, mass displacement of and attacks on civilians, and “reports of settlement expansion in the West Bank.”

For the Philippines, these recent developments are worsening the crisis in Gaza, where reports show widespread starvation is linked to Israel’s obstruction of food entering the city. 

The DFA said these developments are also dashing the possibility for a “just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.” 

International pressure  

The Palestinian ambassador said the embassy is echoing the DFA’s emphasis on “the need for a ceasefire and a renewed political path toward peace.”

“The current crisis is not merely a serious humanitarian issue but also a political one, rooted in decades of occupation and oppression,” Anastas said. 

“As such, we urge the international community to support concrete measures such as arms embargoes, sanctions, and diplomatic pressure to ensure compliance with international law,” he added. 

The ambassador cited the systematic attacks on journalists and civilian infrastructure, mass displacement, and “a man-made famine” in Gaza. Such conditions, he said, prove the need to “hold Israel accountable for its violations of international humanitarian law.”

“The Palestinian people remain committed to a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, with East Jerusalem as our capital,” he added. 

The latest ceasefire proposal, put forward by Qatar and Egypt, would have militant group Hamas hand over 10 living hostages, Israeli forces withdraw to a buffer zone along Gaza’s borders with Israel and Egypt, and for substantial aid to reach Gaza, where many Palestinians have already starved to death.

Hamas said it has agreed to these terms, but Israel has not responded, according to Qatar. 

Instead, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last week he will push ahead with a full takeover of Gaza City. This planned offensive has already sparked international outcry, including warnings from the United Nations that it would cause “massive death and destruction.”