The Embassy of the State of Palestine in the Philippines welcomed Manila’s participation in the walkout during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations General Assembly, saying the move reflected the Philippines’ position on Palestinian rights and international law.
In a statement, the Palestinian Embassy expressed its “sincere appreciation” to the Philippine government and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for what it called the “principled position” demonstrated by the Philippine delegation during the 81st UN General Assembly.
This included the Philippine delegation’s participation in the walkout as Netanyahu began his address on September 24.
“The Embassy welcomes the Philippines’ expressed concern over the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza, the advancement of the E1 settlement plan, and the continuing rise of settler violence in the West Bank,” the statement said.
The embassy said the Philippine position reflected Manila’s “commitment to international law, peace, and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” including their right to self-determination and the country’s continued support for a two-state solution.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Philippine delegates joined the walkout, describing it as an expression of solidarity for peace in the Middle East.
“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 and undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state,” the DFA said.
The DFA also cited three concerns behind the Philippine position: the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Israel’s efforts to advance the E1 settlement plan, and the continuing rise of settler violence in the West Bank.
“These actions are detrimental to finding a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Middle East conflict,” the DFA said, reiterating that the Philippines supports the two-state solution as the path to peace in the region.
The Palestinian Embassy said the Philippine delegation’s position was consistent with Manila’s continued support for Palestinian self-determination and a negotiated two-state arrangement.
The Philippine position was also reflected in the address of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro during the General Assembly, where she reiterated support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and a two-state solution.
The walkout placed the Philippines among the delegations that left the General Assembly hall as Netanyahu took the podium. The DFA’s confirmation came after footage of the September 24 session showed dozens of delegates leaving the chamber.
The Philippine delegation’s action came despite the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Manila and Israel. The government has continued to maintain diplomatic ties with Israel while publicly supporting Palestinian self-determination and a two-state solution.
