In a gesture of solidarity, the Philippines has provided essential humanitarian aid to Gaza, addressing the dire needs of those caught in the region’s ongoing conflict. On February 7, 2025, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno handed over the aid to the Jordanian Consulate in Manila. The donation, which included 8,323 bonnets, 3,187 pairs of gloves, and 20 blankets, is part of the Humanitarian Air Bridge Campaign led by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Nepomuceno expressed the Philippines’ commitment to supporting those affected by the crisis, stating, “We stand in solidarity with all those impacted by this tragedy and recognize the urgency of the situation.” He highlighted the importance of international collaboration and expressed hope that the event would encourage other Philippine agencies to participate in future aid efforts. “We are hopeful that today’s ceremony will not only celebrate the successful partnership we have forged but also inspire other Philippine agencies to join future rounds of this important campaign. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need, both here and abroad,” he added.
The conflict in Gaza, which has persisted since October 2023, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. A temporary ceasefire in January, after 15 months of war, allowed for the exchange of hostages and prisoners between Israel and Hamas, facilitating the delivery of critical aid to the region.