Rana Mahmod

The Philippines voted in favor of urging the end to Israel’s occupation over Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly on September 18.

Photo Courtesy of Bulatlat/UN.

Among 193 countries, 14 voted against the resolution, 34 of abstention and a majority of 124 countries including the Philippines voted in favor.

The Philippines frequently abstained in earlier UN votes on the dispute in order to avoid taking sides.

On October 26, 2023, the Philippines was among the 45 countries that abstained for an immediate humanitarian truce in Gaza, while 120 countries have supported the UN resolution.

The draft resolution embedded that the occupied Palestinian territory shall be freed, and for Israel to bring the occupation to an end no later than 12 months from the adoption.

Riyad Mansor, the permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations called for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Before the vote, Mohamed Issa Abushahab, the permanent representative of the United Arab Emirates to the UN, made remarks stating that the full implementation of all relevant Security Council resolutions, a ceasefire agreement, and unhindered access to those in need are necessary to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

The resolution then further emphasized that Israel comply with international law including as stipulated by the International Court of Justice and withdraw its military forces, immediately cease all new settlement activity, evacuate all settlers from occupied land and dismantle parts of the separation wall it constructed inside the occupied West Bank.

While Palestine applauded the majority of the international community's backing, Israel has firmly denounced the resolution on Wednesday.

The attack on the Palestinian territories started on October 7 last year by the militant Hamas group. 

Israel then responded by bombing the Palestinian territories under the justification of "self-defense," solidifying the Palestinian ethnic cleansing.

At least 1,139 people were killed in the attack and about 240 others were seized as captives in which 100 of these captives were released during a seven-day truce in late November.

As of writing, total deaths surge to 41,391 people between Israel and Palestinian militants, now in its 12th month according to the health ministry in Gaza.