The Stratbase ADR Institute, a Philippine-based think tank, has issued a statement expressing its solidarity with Israel and condemning the terrorist attacks by Hamas, a militant group that controls the Gaza Strip.
The statement, released on Friday, said that the institute stands with Israel as it faces “inhumane terrorist attacks” by Hamas, which have claimed innocent lives, including women and children.
The statement also said that these “heinous acts of terrorism and impunity” destroy regional and global peace and stability, and have no place in the rules-based international order.
The institute emphasized that Hamas does not represent the entirety of Palestine, and that its actions also harm Palestinian civilians, who are subjected to the consequences of conflict.
The statement called on the international community to help prevent further harm to the defenseless civilians caught in the crossfire, and urged the Philippine government to ensure the safety and well-being of Filipinos residing in Israel and support the families of those who have lost their lives.
The statement also echoed the statements of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who condemned the ongoing terror and violence by Hamas and mourned the loss of innocent lives on all sides.
The statement said that there is never an acceptable justification for terrorism, and that violence will not result in any enduring resolution. The statement implored all parties involved to prioritize the safety and well-being of their civilian populations, and called for the urgent resolution of the conflict with due respect for the rule of law and human rights.
The statement concluded by calling upon friends, allies, and partners to unite as staunch defenders of the rules-based international order, and said that the path to peace may be fraught with difficulties, but it is the only way to a brighter, more secure future for all.