PH confirms joining UN walkout during Netanyahu speech

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines joined a walkout by delegates at the United Nations General Assembly during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Sunday, Sept. 27.

In a text message to NewsWatch Plus, DFA spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said the walkout represented concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and developments in the West Bank.

The walkout took place on Sept. 24 when Netanyahu took the podium at the UN General Assembly in New York.

“The Philippines joined the walkout in global solidarity for peace in the Middle East and the call for all parties to desist from unilateral actions that erode the conditions of peace,” Ratonel said.

She said such actions also undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state.

“The Philippines is deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and notes with alarm Israel’s efforts to advance the E1 settlement plan, and the continued rise of settler violence in the West Bank,” the DFA official said.

“These actions are detrimental to finding a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Middle East conflict,” she added.

PH backs two-state solution

Ratonel said the Philippines continues to support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“The Philippines has always supported the two-state solution as the viable path to peace in the region,” she said.

The DFA had already expressed concern over Israel’s E1 settlement plan in a statement issued on Sept. 17.

At the time, the department said Israel’s efforts to advance the E1 plan and the continuing rise in settler violence in the West Bank “may contravene international law.”

It also said the Philippines would continue to uphold the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

The E1 area is located east of Jerusalem. Israel opened tenders in August for more than 1,200 settlement homes in the area.

International governments have warned that development in E1 could affect the territorial continuity of a future Palestinian state.