‘Stop all violence’: Marcos calls for de-escalation of Israel-Hamas situation

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday called for de-escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas as he urged both parties to stop all violence.

Marcos addressed global leaders in Saudi Arabia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Gulf Cooperation Council (Asean-GCC) Summit.

“The Philippines is deeply concerned about the rising number of victims and the safety of all persons, as well as the dire humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Israel and in Gaza. We hope that all parties will exert their utmost efforts to de-escalate the situation, stop all violence, and engage in dialogue and diplomacy,” Marcos said in his intervention speech.

The President’s call for a peaceful resolution comes on the heels of the fourth Filipino casualty in the war.

Marcos also stressed the need for rules-based order in Asean and GCC regions, pointing to territorial tensions in the South China Sea, as well as the Arabian Sea.

“As the two regional organizations located astride the major sea gates and vital corridors of the world’s commerce and communications, it is imperative that we work together to promote peace, security, and stability in both our regions, the South China Sea, and the Arabian Sea, grounded on the rules-based international order to ensure stability and prosperity of our countries and the rest of the world,” the President said.

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