Palestine–Philippines relations

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Filipino–Palestinian relations
Map indicating locations of Palestine and Philippines

Palestine
Philippines

Palestine–Philippines relations refer to foreign relations between the State of Palestine and the Republic of the Philippines. The two nations have many common points that they should capitalize on with the aim of enhancing bilateral relations.[1] They are members of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue, Group of 77 and the Non-Aligned Movement.

History[edit]

153 countries, including the Philippines, supported the resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza that was overwhelmingly passed by the UN General Assembly on 12 December 2023

The Philippines voted in favor of UN Resolution 181 recommending the partition of Palestine and the establishment of a Jewish State in 1947. The Philippines was among the 33 countries who supported the establishment of Israel and the only Asian country who voted for the resolution.[2]

The Philippines established diplomatic relations with Palestine as the government of the Philippines recognized Palestinian statehood on 4 September 1989.[3][4] Even while the political unrest has called into question the Israeli-Palestinian conflict's centrality in the Middle East, the Philippines and the rest of the world will be affected greatly by the peace process's success or failure. The Philippines' diplomatic ties with Israel have not yet been put in jeopardy by its recognition of Palestine. The Iron Dome missile interception system and Israel's safety measures are advantageous to Filipinos, but they nevertheless leave them open to deliberate and random attacks on civilian targets. Filipinos in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are far more vulnerable to becoming casualties of conflict and disturbances. Because of the unpredictability of the situation, the Philippines must make the necessary arrangements to support its citizens in the event that hostilities rise.[5]

The Philippines was among the 138 countries that voted in favor of the United Nations General Assembly resolution 67/19 recognizing Palestine as a non-member state. "The Philippines supports Palestine's quest for self-rule and self-determination, and we hope that one day an independent Palestine may live side by side in peace with its neighbors," DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez wrote in a text message.[6]

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte promised on June 20, 2020, that the Philippines will maintain "friendly and cooperative" relations with five nations, including Palestine. Along with welcoming Saleh Asad Saleh Fhied Mohammad, the first Palestinian ambassador to the Philippines, Duterte also saw the reopening of Palestine's embassy in Manila as the beginning of a "new chapter in Philippines-Palestine relations" last year. According to the Palace, Duterte anticipated that the Philippines and Palestine's relationship would result in productive cooperation in a number of sectors of shared interest.[7]

Enrique Manalo, the Philippines' then-envoy to the UN, made the following statement on 25 May 2021, in front of the UN General Assembly: "The Philippines has always expressed support for the creation of the State of Palestine living in peace and security with its neighbors." The Philippines reiterates its support for a two-state solution in this area.[8]

Following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which resulted in about 1,200 fatalities and over 200 held hostage, the Philippines has consistently shown support for Israel and denounced the brutal crimes done to Israelis. However, it didn't end there. Consistent with its long-standing pro-Israel stance, the Philippines extended its advocacy for Israeli human rights beyond only supporting Israeli policy.[9] The Philippines abstained from voting for a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for a humanitarian truce in Gaza, due to the lack of explicit condemnation on Hamas' initial attacks on 7 October.[10]

On 31 October 2023, a demonstration was held in front of Israel's embassy in Manila by Filipinos against the country's partial occupation of the West Bank and its ongoing, lethal assault of Gaza. The largest grassroots coalition in the Philippines, BAYAN, women's associations, medical professionals, migrant laborers, and students were among the civil society organizations that coordinated the event. According to Raymond Palatino, Secretary-General of BAYAN, the demonstration also sought to demonstrate that the Filipino people were not represented in the Philippine government's decision to abstain from voting on the UN resolution.[11]

On 12 December 2023, A UN resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages in Gaza has received support from the Philippines. During the emergency special session of the UN, Antonio Lagdameo, the Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN, stated that although the Philippines denounces the October 7 attacks carried out by Hamas, the country feels that it is imperative to follow international humanitarian law, particularly the principles of proportionality and distinction in response to security threats.[12]

Trade[edit]

Philippines sold $550 thousand to Palestine in 2021. Computers ($395 thousand), shaving goods ($48.5 thousand), and vegetable saps ($27.6 thousand) were the top exports from the Philippines to Palestine. The Philippines' exports to Palestine have grown at an average rate of 1.22% over the past 14 years, from $402 thousand in 2007 to $550 thousand in 2021.[13]

Diplomatic missions[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "EXPERTS HIGHLIGHT COMMON POINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPING PHILIPPINES – PALESTINE RELATIONS". fsi.gov.ph. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  2. ^ "UN General Assembly Resolution 181". Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Israel).
  3. ^ Embassies & consulates in the Philippines. Best of the Philippines. 1995. ISBN 971-91516-0-9., p219: "The State of Palestine is recognized by over one hundred states including the Republic of the Philippines. In September 1989, diplomatic relations were established between the two governments leading to the opening of the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Manila, May 1990."
  4. ^ "The Philippines and the State of Palestine celebrates 28 years of formal diplomatic relations this year!". 4 September 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  5. ^ "Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: The Long Road to Peace by Andrea Kristine G. Molina (Vol. II, No. 5, March 2015)". fsi.gov.ph. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  6. ^ Uy, Veronica (November 30, 2012). "Philippines votes for, hails, Palestine's UN recognition". News5. Philippines. Archived from the original on February 23, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  7. ^ "PRRD renews ties with 4 countries, state of Palestine". Philippine News Agency. 20 June 2020. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  8. ^ "Ties that bind the Philippines and Palestine". Manila Bulletin. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  9. ^ "When it comes to Palestine, the Philippines is on the wrong side of history". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  10. ^ "Why Did The Philippines Refuse To Back UN Resolution On Gaza?". One News. 28 October 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  11. ^ "'End Israeli occupation now': Filipinos rally in solidarity with Palestine". Arab News. 31 October 2023. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  12. ^ "Philippines votes in favour of UN resolution demanding for humanitarian ceasefire, release of hostages in Gaza". Asia News Network. 14 December 2023. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  13. ^ "Palestine (PSE) and Philippines (PHL) Trade". The Observatory of Economic Complexity. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  14. ^ "Foreign Embassies". Department of Foreign Affairs (Philippines). Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  15. ^ "JORDAN". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
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