Senator Risa Hontiveros, on Monday, urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to support the demand for increased humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, a region devastated by war.

“There are many Filipinos who have made a life in Palestine. Tulungan natin ang ating mga kababayan pati ang lugar na naging tahanan na nila. No human being deserves to suffer through this violence,” Hontiveros said.

The DFA disclosed that the 131 Filipinos in Gaza consist of multi-generational families, including Filipino women married to Palestinians, their children, and grandchildren.

The senator emphasized the importance of the existing humanitarian corridor at the Rafah crossing, urging the Philippine government, through the DFA, to actively maintain its openness for safe passage of humanitarian aid and fleeing civilians.

Hontiveros pointed out that the 20 aid trucks permitted to enter are insufficient to assist the civilians trapped in Gaza.

“I strongly urge the DFA to also support efforts that call for more humanitarian corridors. As part of the community of nations, we have a shared responsibility, a commitment to international humanitarian law to protect civilians at all times,” the senator said.

“The situation in Gaza is beyond horrific. As a mother, I cannot even begin to explain the pain of seeing the images of innocent children affected in this conflict. May we tap into our common humanity and do all that is necessary to guarantee all peoples’ most basic right to life,” Hontiveros concluded.

Photo: Sen. Risa Hontiveros FB