MANILA – Amid reports of a looming ground attack by Israel military forces against the Hamas, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) calls on Israel to follow international humanitarian law and to not target civilians while defending themselves.
“There’s the right to defend yourselves. What we just want is whatever actions Israel will take against terrorists or in defense of themselves will follow humanitarian law, na wala silang ta-targetin na civilian, wala silang ta-targeting na mga innocents lalo na yung susubok tumakas,” DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo De Vega said in an interview on DZRH Balansyado program.
De Vega adds that the Philippines will follow any United Nations Resolution or UN Assembly resolution that will come out and that the position is not to criticise Israeli actions unless an investigation can prove civilians were deliberately harmed in such attacks.
Also, De Vega clarifies that the Philippines has not officially designated Hamas as a terrorist organization as that jurisdiction falls on the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC).
In a meeting between DFA Sec. Enrique Manalo and Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss on Tuesday, the issue of declaring Hamas as a terror organization was brought up.
According to De Vega, who was also present during the meeting, that Israel will provide more evidence that Hamas is present in the Philippines.
“Sabi ng Israel we’re gonna give you more evidence kasi sabi nila ‘yong Hamas meron din daw Hamas sa Philippines, ganyan,” he added.
De Vega reiterates that right now, DFA’s main concern is for Israel to help Filipinos eventually get out of Gaza or be safe in Tel Aviv.
