Senator Loren Legarda welcomed the approval of the deal for a ceasefire in Gaza that would pause the war between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas beginning Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time in Gaza.
The ceasefire comes after 15 months of conflict that has left Gaza in devastation, with nearly 47,000 Palestinians killed.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Gaza ceasefire to begin Sunday morning
FEATURED STORIES GLOBALNATION PH gets $905-M loan for big Laguna project GLOBALNATION St. Luke’s robot-aided heart surgery a first in Southeast Asia GLOBALNATION 200 Afghan nationals complete visa processing, leave PH – US Embassy“This is a moment of hope in the face of an unspeakable tragedy. Families have endured unbearable pain as they lost loved ones to violence, saw their homes reduced to rubble, and were stripped of any sense of safety. I welcome this development and urge all relevant parties to uphold their commitments to the ceasefire and hostage release deal,” Legarda said.
Under the deal, 33 hostages are set to be released by Hamas over the next six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians detained by Israel.
Article continues after this advertisementA staunch advocate for peace, Legarda has consistently been a prominent voice in the Philippines, advocating for an immediate ceasefire. Notably, during the Philippines’ abstention from the October 2023 UN resolution on a humanitarian truce in Gaza, Legarda boldly affirmed that had it been within her authority, she would have supported the ceasefire, demonstrating her commitment to the principles of peace and justice.
Article continues after this advertisementWith Gaza’s humanitarian crisis reaching catastrophic proportions, Legarda emphasized the importance of implementing the ceasefire agreement with integrity and good faith, urging the global community to remain vigilant in monitoring its progress and holding all parties accountable.
Article continues after this advertisement“This ceasefire must be more than a temporary pause in hostilities. It must open pathways for unhindered humanitarian aid and establish the groundwork for rebuilding lives and communities devastated by the conflict,” Legarda expressed.
“It must enable the full recovery of Gaza, ensuring the safe return of millions displaced by the conflict and the reconstruction of essential infrastructure, including education, healthcare, livelihood and food security systems.”
In a statement on Monday, GSIS said the transport hub dubbed as ‘Project Hub’, will be located at the corner of the Elliptical Road and Commonwealth Avenue.
Article continues after this advertisementDomestically, Legarda supports a food business run by Filipino-Palestinian families who have found refuge in the Philippines after being displaced by war.
“By offering my humble contribution through regularly patronizing their food, I seek to support them in meeting their basic needs and maintaining a livelihood while in the country,” the senator shared.
The senator also worked closely with the Department of Justice’s Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU), monitoring the refugee status applications of Palestinians displaced by war.
“This effort aligns with the Philippines’ obligations as a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. By upholding these international agreements, we ensure that refugees are afforded the dignity and security they deserve,” the senator explained.
Under the Refugee Convention and its Protocol, to which the Philippines is a signatory, the country commits to protecting the rights and welfare of individuals fleeing persecution and conflict because of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
The four-term senator also expressed appreciation for Qatar, Egypt, and the United States’ skillful diplomatic efforts in brokering the ceasefire agreement and urged continued international cooperation to achieve lasting peace in the region.
“This ceasefire is a powerful reminder of what is possible when the international community acts with resolve. We must seize this momentum, recognizing that much work remains. All efforts must now be directed toward advancing comprehensive and sustainable solutions, laying the foundation for a credible political pathway that secures a just and stable future for the region, in line with international law.”
In its advisory opinion issued on 19 July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) determined that Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is illegal. Consequently, Israel must end its occupation as rapidly as possible and provide full reparation for the damage caused to all affected natural or legal persons.
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“While this deal brings relief and renewed hope, it must not distract us from the imperative of confronting the deeper, systemic issues that undermine the prospects for enduring peace. Peace cannot flourish where oppression, marginalization, and inequity persist,” Legarda stated.
“The international community must intensify its efforts to ensure that every person enjoys the full measure of their human rights and dignitygolden plus,” she concluded.
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