PH ‘strongly calls’ for ceasefire in Gaza – DFA

This picture taken from a position on the Israeli border with the Gaza Strip, shows Israeli armoured personnel carriers driving behind the separation barrier on August 20, 2025. (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government has called for an end to the war in Gaza and “strongly calls on Israel to heed the ceasefire proposal,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday.

The Philippine government described the ceasefire proposal as a “crucial step to protect civilians and to revive the path to peace.”

On June 12, the United Nations adopted a resolution demanding an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent” ceasefire in the war in Gaza. The Philippines was among the 149 countries that voted in favor of the measure.

“The Philippines joins the international community in urgently calling for an end to the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza,” the DFA said.

“The Philippines is deeply concerned by recent developments, including the Israel government’s planned full military takeover of Gaza, continuing restrictions on access to life-saving humanitarian aid such as food and water, large-scale displacement, attacks affecting civilians, and reports of settlement expansion in the West Bank,” it added.

READ: Israel approves plan to conquer Gaza City, calls up reservists

On August 20, Israel’s defense minister approved a military plan calling up about 60,000 reservists to capture Gaza City.

In response, Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being “the real obstacle” and of showing “blatant disregard” for ceasefire efforts.

In January, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire to pause the war in the Gaza Strip. The deal allowed displaced Gazans to return to their homes and promised the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel as well as hostages held by Hamas.

However, airstrikes over Gaza have continued.

READ: Israel’s Netanyahu vows to crush Hamas amid ceasefire talks

Israel has eased restrictions on aid and relief entering Gaza in recent months; however, the United Nations said the measures remain insufficient.

The war has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, while Agence France-Presse recorded 1,219 deaths during the 2023 attack on Israel. – With reports from the Agence France-Presse./mcm