THINK TANK CALLS ON BBM TO REVIEW MIDDLE EAST POLICY

Uphold International Law: Stop Wars of Aggression and Defend the Palestinian People

The think tank Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) expresses grave concern over the continuing wars of aggression in the Middle East, particularly the United States-backed Israeli military assault on Palestine that has triggered a catastrophic humanitarian crisis and widespread civilian suffering.

The overwhelming majority of the international community has repeatedly affirmed that a just and lasting peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict can only be achieved through the two-state solution, as reiterated in the 2025 United Nations General Assembly resolution endorsed by 142 countries calling for the effective implementation of Palestinian statehood alongside Israel. 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterrez has likewise emphasized that the denial of Palestinian statehood would only prolong conflict and instability in the region. 

Despite these global commitments, continuing military operations, occupation policies, and external military backing have undermined international law and the UN framework for peace.

The persistence of military escalation and unconditional support for aggressive actions emboldens violations of humanitarian law and weakens the credibility of the international rules-based order.

CenPEG also calls attention to the Marcos government regarding the need for an independent Philippine foreign policy anchored on peace, human rights, and respect for international law. While the Philippines has voted in favor of the UN two-state solution resolution, past official statements strongly emphasizing Israel’s “right to self-defense” and alliance considerations have been widely interpreted as political alignment with the US-backed Israeli military policy at critical moments of the conflict. 

Such ambiguity risks undermining the country’s principled commitment to the protection of civilian lives and to the enforcement of UN resolutions.

CenPEG Director for Policy Studies, Prof. Bobby Tuazon, stressed:

“The continuing U.S.-backed wars of aggression in the Middle East erode international law and normalize impunity. A genuine peace process requires ending military occupation, stopping indiscriminate attacks on civilians and penalizing those accountable, and enforcing the UN-mandated two-state solution consistent with the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.”

CenPEG calls on the Philippine government and the international community to:

-     Firmly uphold UN resolutions supporting the two-state solution and Palestinian statehood;

-     Demand an immediate ceasefire and the full protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law;

-     Oppose military escalation and external interventions that prolong war; and

-     Support diplomatic, humanitarian, and multilateral initiatives aimed at achieving a just, lasting, and peaceful settlement in the Middle East.

Peace in the region cannot be achieved through occupation, siege, or collective punishment. It can only be realized through justice, respect for sovereignty, and the consistent application of international law. ###

REFERENCE: Prof. Bobby Tuazon, Vice Chairperson and Director for Policy Studies, 09175649609

For further information, please contact: Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) Email: cenpeg.info@gmail.comPhone: +63-9171141405 Website: www.cenpeg.org