Friday, November 17, 2023

Philippines’ Stance on Palestine: A Historical Misstep | TOME

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Manila’s blind support for Israel and its war on Gaza is not only immoral but also against its long-term interests.

The Immorality of Blind Support

As the world watched in horror as the conflict between Israel and Palestine escalated, Manila’s unwavering support for Israel has raised eyebrows and sparked outrage. The Philippines’ blind support for Israel’s actions in Gaza is not only morally questionable but also goes against the principles of justice and human rights.

By blindly supporting Israel, Manila is turning a blind eye to the suffering of innocent Palestinian civilians who have been caught in the crossfire. The indiscriminate bombings and heavy civilian casualties in Gaza have been widely condemned by the international community, including the United Nations. Yet, Manila continues to offer its unwavering support to Israel, ignoring the cries for justice from the Palestinian people.

Furthermore, Manila’s blind support for Israel undermines its own credibility as a champion of human rights. The Philippines has a long history of advocating for justice and human rights, particularly in the context of its own struggle for independence and democracy. By aligning itself with a country that is widely criticized for its human rights abuses, Manila risks tarnishing its own reputation and credibility on the global stage.

Against Long-Term Interests

Aside from the moral implications, Manila’s blind support for Israel is also against its long-term interests. The conflict between Israel and Palestine is a deeply complex issue with no easy solution. By aligning itself so closely with one side, Manila risks alienating other countries in the region and damaging its diplomatic relations.

The Middle East is a volatile region with many competing interests and alliances. By blindly supporting Israel, Manila risks isolating itself from other countries in the region that have historically supported the Palestinian cause. This could have serious consequences for the Philippines’ economic and political interests in the region, including trade partnerships and access to vital resources.

Furthermore, Manila’s blind support for Israel could also have implications for its large overseas Filipino worker (OFW) population in the Middle East. Many OFWs rely on the stability and goodwill of their host countries for their livelihoods. By aligning itself so closely with Israel, Manila risks jeopardizing the safety and well-being of its citizens working in the region.

A Call for Balanced Diplomacy

It is crucial for Manila to adopt a more balanced and nuanced approach to the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Instead of blindly supporting one side, the Philippines should strive to be a mediator and advocate for a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.

By taking a more balanced stance, Manila can position itself as a credible and respected voice in the international community. It can play a role in promoting dialogue and facilitating negotiations between the two parties, rather than perpetuating a cycle of violence and suffering.

Moreover, by advocating for justice and human rights for all parties involved, Manila can uphold its own principles and values as a nation that has fought for its own independence and democracy. It can show the world that it is committed to standing up for what is right, even when it may be politically challenging.

Conclusion

Manila’s blind support for Israel and its war on Gaza is not only immoral but also against its long-term interests. By blindly supporting Israel, Manila turns a blind eye to the suffering of innocent Palestinian civilians and undermines its own credibility as a champion of human rights. Furthermore, this blind support risks isolating the Philippines from other countries in the region and jeopardizing the safety of its overseas Filipino workers. It is time for Manila to adopt a more balanced and nuanced approach to the conflict, one that promotes dialogue, justice, and human rights for all parties involved.

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