Philippine diplomats joined a walkout at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the rostrum to deliver his address, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Sunday.
DFA spokesperson Analyn Ratonel stated that the Philippine delegation participated in the walkout to align with international calls for stability and de-escalation in the region.
“The Philippines joined the walkout in global solidarity for peace in the Middle East and the call for all parties to desist from unilateral actions that erode the conditions for peace,” Ratonel said in a statement shared by GMA News reporter Katrina Son.
The foreign affairs department expressed alarm over ongoing developments in the region, pointing to worsening conditions in Gaza and expanding settlements.
“The Philippines is deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and notes with alarm Israel’s efforts to advance the E1 settlement plan, and the continued rise of settler violence in the West Bank,” Ratonel said.
She emphasized that such developments obstruct long-term diplomatic resolution, adding, “These actions are detrimental to finding a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Middle East conflict.”
Ratonel affirmed that the Philippines continues to support a two-state framework as the established path toward long-term stability in the Middle East.
Dozens of international diplomats exited the assembly hall in succession as the Israeli Prime Minister stepped up to defend his country’s regional policies. Netanyahu subsequently condemned the diplomatic protest, describing the participating officials as “moral cowards.”
The protest marks the third consecutive year that assembly delegates staged a walkout during the Israeli leader’s annual UN address, following similar demonstrations during his speeches in 2024 and 2025.