Senator Robin Padilla condemned the continued inhumane treatment, including deliberate starvation, of Palestinian civilians in the occupied territories, even as he called for the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid for them.
Padilla filed Senate Resolution 1366, where he also sought accountability for violations of international humanitarian law against these civilians.
“It is pertinent that we, as a nation, send a strong statement condemning the persistent and systematic killing of innocent lives.”
“It is pertinent that we, as a nation, send a strong statement condemning the persistent and systematic killing of innocent lives, destruction of vital infrastructure, and obstruction of access to humanitarian aid, as these constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law. The Philippines, as a member of the international community, must not remain silent while these atrocities continue unabated,” the legislator said.
“Resolved, as it is hereby resolved, by the Senate of the Philippines to strongly condemn the continued inhumane treatment, deliberate starvation, and mass killings of Palestinian civilians in the occupied territories, calling for the immediate protection of human rights, accountability for international humanitarian law violations, and the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid,” the legislator added.
The senator cited Sec. 2, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which states that the State renounces war and upholds international legal norms, including the protection of civilians during armed conflicts.
He also noted the Philippines ratified the Geneva Conventions of 1949, committing to international humanitarian law principles that prohibit acts such as starvation and targeting of civilians.
Also, Padilla said the Philippines as a founding member of the United Nations played an active role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), reflecting its dedication to upholding human rights.
He said that as of Jan. 15, Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in widespread destruction and damage, including homes, commercial facilities, and school buildings. Only half of hospitals remain partially functional, while 68% of road networks and cropland have been affected.
“Blockade set up since the beginning of March this year has prevented the delivery of essential supplies.”
Padilla added a report cited by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification showed the blockade set up since the beginning of March this year has prevented the delivery of essential supplies, such as food, water, medicine, fuel, and cooking gas.
More than two million Palestinians now face acute hunger and famine-like conditions because of the prolonged blockades and restrictions on humanitarian aid.
From June 1 to 3, 2025, at least 60 Palestinians were reportedly killed when Israeli forces opened fire on crowds attempting to collect food from a facility operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF’s operations have been suspended.
