Gaza Population Faces Severe Food Insecurity, Blinken Reports
US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, addressed the pressing humanitarian situation in Gaza during a joint press conference with Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo in Manila. Blinken highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian aid in Gaza, stating that the children, women, and men in the region are facing a dire situation.
Blinken also emphasized the importance of Israel prioritizing the protection of civilians and providing essential humanitarian assistance to those in need. He expressed concern over reports indicating serious food insecurity among the entire population in Gaza.
Furthermore, Blinken announced his upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia and Egypt, where he plans to push for a ceasefire in Gaza. He intends to discuss critical issues such as establishing a ceasefire, releasing prisoners, and increasing the entry of humanitarian aid to the region. Blinken also expressed his commitment to exploring measures for achieving permanent regional peace with the leaders he will meet during his visits.
In addition to addressing the Gaza crisis, Blinken and Manalo discussed the situation in the South China Sea during their meeting. Manalo emphasized the Philippines’ adherence to national interests, the rules-based international order, and international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He highlighted the Philippines’ role as a strong ally for the United States, with Blinken reaffirming Washington’s robust commitments to defending the Philippines against external threats.
Overall, the joint press conference shed light on the humanitarian challenges in Gaza and the collaborative efforts being made to address the crisis, as well as the strategic discussions surrounding regional peace and security.
