Palestinians carrying foreign passports wait at Rafah gate, hoping to cross into Egypt as Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip continue on October 14, 2023. International aid groups and major powers have pleaded with Israel to set up safe zones in Gaza, where thousands struggled on October 14 to get out of a major part of the Palestinian territory under threat of attack. (File photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to join calls to keep the border crossing between Egypt and Gaza open for the transit of humanitarian aid and for people who want to leave the city.
Hontiveros, in a statement, noted there are many Filipinos “who have made a life” in Palestine, and it is necessary to help them, noting that “no human being deserves to suffer through this violence.”
“The Philippine government, through the DFA, should help ensure that this corridor remains open for the safe passage of humanitarian aid and fleeing civilians,” she said.
The Rafah border crossing opened on Saturday to allow the entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip.
But while the awaited opening happened, no civilians were let out and only 20 trucks were allowed in.
Hontiveros said the 20 aid trucks allowed entry are insufficient to help the civilians in Gaza.
“I strongly urge the DFA to also support efforts that call for more humanitarian corridors,” she pleaded.
“As part of the community of nations, we have a shared responsibility, a commitment to international humanitarian law to protect civilians at all times,” she said.
“May we tap into our common humanity and do all that is necessary to guarantee all peoples’ most basic right to life,” she added.
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