Building bridges with Filipinos is Palestine's goal, says ambassador
The Palestinian Embassy in the Philippines said that they are looking into promoting awareness and building bridges with Filipinos in a courtesy call with GMA Network on Tuesday.
Palestinian Ambassador to the Philippines Mounir Y.K. Anastas said that the Philippines and Palestine have a shared history in being colonized countries, but that Palestine is still dealing with occupation.
'We have, unfortunately, walls, and we are trying to build bridges between nations, and culture is the most powerful tool for building such bridges, of course. So I'm really honored to be with you, and I think that this will be very important in order to raise awareness among the Filipino population,' he said.
Anastas also pointed out that the Philippines has long recognized Palestinian statehood.
'The government is completely aware about the Palestinian case, and as you mentioned, the Philippines, since the beginning since the proclamation of the State of Palestine, the Philippines was one of the first countries to recognize the statehood of Palestine,' he said.
Israel is currently conducting a military assault on the Gaza Strip, one of the occupied Palestinian territories, with the stated intention of obliterating Hamas after its October 7, 2023 attacks on areas in southern Israel. At least 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, as well as by its blockade of aid, both of which have been condemned by the United Nations.
South Africa has taken Israel to court at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of the genocide of the Palestinian people.
The International Criminal Court has also issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant for the Gaza atrocities, and Hamas commander Ibrahim Al-Masri for the October 7 attacks, in which Hamas kidnapped about 250 Israelis and other nationalities, many of whom are still held hostage. Masri was killed in Gaza in 2024.
In another Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory, the West Bank, Israelis are seizing land and building settlements, which the ICJ has ruled illegal.
Anastas highlighted the humanitarian issues from the conflict, saying that Palestine was a separate state from Israel. He also said the conflict between Israel and Palestine was not religious in nature, but that it was being framed as such.
He expressed his disappointment over several of their historic cities, such as the city of Bethlehem in the West Bank, being on occupied land.
'My city, Bethlehem, is not part of Israel. It is occupied by Israel, but it is a Palestinian city… Unfortunately, still it is under occupation, and it was annexed by the State of Israel,' he said.
'People can't understand that the State of Palestine legally existed…It has been recognized by 148 countries so far. The only impediment is the occupation…The most important thing to bridge this is that Filipino people are very religious. The origin of Christianity is in my city. The old city of Jerusalem is of high significance and importance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, but it has nothing to do with the conflict. Our conflict is not religious. Our conflict with Israel is a political conflict,' he continued.
Anastas also thanked GMA Network for the opportunity to discuss the matter.
'This is what I would like to transmit through GMA to the Filipino people… For us, peace is important for different reasons. Because we believe in this, and we believe that we can reach it without violence. We have a weapon that Israel doesn't have, and they can't buy it anywhere. This weapon is the truth and the right,' he said.
Meanwhile, GMA Network President and CEO Gilberto Duavit Jr. said that a meeting with the ambassador was the 'beginning' of opportunities to work together towards nation-building and further partnerships.
'I see the size of your mission to further strengthen and broaden our ties, whether these be cultural and all-related ties. We are encouraged, Your Excellency, by what appears to be a common thread between us when we look at your orientations and what you all do, your views on the value of culture in nation-building, the value of culture in creating partnerships. That's largely what we do and what we do as a pleasure for us to finally meet you,' Duavit said.
'We share the commitment, of course, of our President to peace and prosperity, something that, Your Excellency, you honor us with,' he added.
Duavit was joined at the call by GMA Vice President and head for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz and Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, GMA Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor Amoroso. — BM, GMA Integrated News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GMA Network
5 hours ago
- GMA Network
Tens of thousands join pro-Palestinian march over Sydney Harbour Bridge
Mounted police keep watch as protesters in support of Palestinians in Gaza march towards Sydney's Harbour Bridge during a demonstration against the actions of Israel on August 3, 2025. Saeed Khan/ AFP SYDNEY — Tens of thousands of demonstrators braved pouring rain to march across Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge on Sunday calling for peace and aid deliveries in the war-torn Gaza Strip, where a humanitarian crisis has been worsening. Nearly two years into a war that Palestinian authorities say has killed more than 60,000 people in Gaza, governments and humanitarian organizations say a shortage of food is leading to widespread starvation. Some of those attending the march, called by its organizers the March for Humanity, carried pots and pans as symbols of the hunger. "Enough is enough," said Doug, a man in his 60s with a shock of white hair. "When people from all over the world gather together and speak up, then evil can be overcome." Marchers ranged from the elderly to families with young children. Among them was Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. Many carried umbrellas. Some waved Palestinian flags and chanted "We are all Palestinians." New South Wales police said up to 90,000 people had attended, far more than expected. The protest organizer, Palestine Action Group Sydney, said in a Facebook post as many as 300,000 people may have marched. New South Wales police and the state's premier last week tried to block the march from taking place on the bridge, a city landmark and transport thoroughfare, saying the route could cause safety hazards and transport disruption. The state's Supreme Court ruled on Saturday that it could go ahead. Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Peter McKenna said more than a thousand police were deployed and the size of the crowd had led to fears of a crush. "No one was hurt," he told a press conference. "But gee whiz, I wouldn't like try and do this every Sunday at that short notice." Police were also present in Melbourne, where a similar protest march took place. Diplomatic pressure ramped up on Israel in recent weeks. France and Canada have said they will recognize a Palestinian state, and Britain says it will follow suit unless Israel addresses the humanitarian crisis and reaches a ceasefire. Israel has condemned these decisions as rewarding Hamas, the group that governs Gaza and whose attack on Israel in October 2023 began an Israeli offensive that has flattened much of the enclave. Israel has also denied pursuing a policy of starvation and accused Hamas of stealing aid. Australia's centre-left Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said he supports a two-state solution and Israel's denial of aid and killing of civilians "cannot be defended or ignored," but has not recognized Palestine. Therese Curtis, a marcher in her 80s, said she had the human right and privilege of good medical care in Australia. "But the people in Palestine are having their hospitals bombed, they're being denied a basic right of medical care and I'm marching specifically for that," she said. — Reuters
GMA Network
10 hours ago
- GMA Network
Marcos forms task force for PH hosting of FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup 2025
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the creation of an Inter-Agency Task Force that will lead the country's preparation for hosting the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup (FFWWC) 2025. The Philippines is set to host the FFWWC for the first time from Nov. 21 to Dec. 7, where Pasig City and Victorias City in Negros Occidental will serve as host venues for the 16 top women's national teams. Signed on July 30 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Administrative Order (AO) No. 35 stated that the task force will serve as the central coordinating body for concerned government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and private units in planning, organizing, and executing the international futsal tournament. Marcos directed the Philippine Sports Commission to be the chair and secretariat of the task force, while the Department of the Interior and Local Government will serve as the vice chair. Meanwhile, the following are among the agencies tasked to be members of the task force: the Department of Tourism, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Health, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation, Presidential Communications Office, the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Immigration, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. The task force is directed to plan, implement, and procure materials for the tournament. It is also tasked with coordinating plans and activities and forming an executive committee, if needed, to oversee operations. The task force is authorized to accept donations, contributions, grants, and gifts from domestic and international sources, in accordance with existing laws and regulations. All national government agencies, state universities and colleges, and government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) are directed to provide support and assistance to the task force. Meanwhile, LGUs and private sector partners are urged to support the initiative. The funds for the implementation of the event will come from the available budgets of the concerned agencies, following existing financial laws and regulations. 'The hosting of the FFWWC 2025 aims to advance the development of futsal in the country, inspire greater sports engagement among Filipinos, elevate the Philippines' standing in the international sports arena, and generate economic and tourism opportunities through a globally recognized event,' the AO read. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/KG, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
11 hours ago
- GMA Network
Instead of cash, grant livelihood capital to 4Ps beneficiaries — Erwin Tulfo
Senator Erwin Tulfo has proposed to provide livelihood capital to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) instead of cash transfer to curb reported abuses. 'If we give them capital, they can use it to start businesses and contribute to the economy. We can provide them enough funds to start a sari-sari store, an eatery, or even engage in online selling,' Tulfo said Sunday in a statement. This after some 4Ps beneficiaries were reportedly caught using their cash grants on gambling and illegal drugs. Tulfo added some 4Ps beneficiaries 'would rather have livelihood capital instead of monthly cash transfer.' 'It is also hard for them to hear that they are being called freeloaders, lazy, and that they do not add value to the country,' the senator said. 'It is also unfair to low-wage earners like security guards, janitors, or house helpers who tighten their belts due to lack of funds but receive nothing from the government, such as 4Ps, since they are not qualified,' he added. The lawmaker said this proposal is one of the topics he aims to deliver in his upcoming meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian. However, the date was not disclosed. During the Post-SONA discussion on Tuesday, Gatchalian shared that the President's call to amend the 4Ps law would that would allow those in the program to stay longer than seven years. Gatchalian noted this as a welcome development, as two million Filipinos were about to exit the program in 2026 for reaching the maximum number of years in the program. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
