'We are Palestine and Palestine is us': Bangsamoro calls for end to violence against Palestinian civilians

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 19) — The Bangsamoro Parliament condemned the violence against Palestinian civilians and called for the end of hostilities between Israel and militant group Hamas, and the opening of a humanitarian corridor for Gaza.

In a recent resolution filed by Deputy Floor Leader Anna Tarhata Basman, the parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao called for «an end to the hostilities and attacks against the civilian population of Palestine, especially in Gaza, and allow their safe return to their homeland, their humane and dignified treatment therein, and the complete rehabilitation thereof.»

«Now is not the time to be silent. As a people who knows all too well what it means for others to recognize and echo your call for the right to exist, we the Bangsamoro people, should raise our voices on behalf of those struggling for survival, the people of Gaza, the people of Palestine,» Basman said in her sponsorship speech.

Among the amendments considered in Parliament was a request to Israel and Hamas to allow the United Nations to facilitate the opening of a corridor that would allow humanitarian organizations to provide protection and swift assistance for the people in Gaza.

Basman also called on world leaders «to prioritize the just resolution of the conflict that gives, first and foremost, the right of statehood to the Palestinians and establishes security in the areas of Palestine, Israel, and other adjoining countries.»

«We are left with no choice. Our common humanity compels us to issue this most urgent appeal. We are Palestine and Palestine is us,» she added.

READ: 'Hamas doesn't represent all Palestinians,' says Palestine envoy to PH

Hamas fired thousands of rockets toward Israeli towns on Oct. 7 before breaking through the border and sending militants deep into Israeli territory — killing civilians and soldiers and taking hundreds of hostages, including children.

The group said its operation was a response to what it described as Israeli attacks on women, the desecration of the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, and the ongoing siege of Gaza.

In response to the attack, Israel has declared war and dropped