US Secretary of State Antony Blinken protested in the Philippines: 'War criminal, you are not welcome'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was protested by demonstrators carrying banners reading “War criminal, you are not welcome” in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, where he is paying a visit.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, as part of an official visit. Secretary Blinken met with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo as part of his contacts. Later, Blinken held a press conference with Manalo and answered questions from journalists.

When asked about his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Blinken said, “There are many purposes for our visit to Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Of course, we will push for an agreement to achieve a ceasefire and the release of hostages. As you know, we are working intensively on this issue every day and we are doing everything we can to advance this and reach an agreement.” Blinken stated, “I can say that we have also instilled in Israel the necessity of having a plan for Gaza when the conflict ends. We hope that this will be consistent with Israel's need to defend itself and ensure that October 7 never happens again, as soon as possible. We stand behind these principles. This will be the focus of this visit.”

''WE ARE FACING A HORRIFIC HUMANITARIAN SITUATION''

Touching on the situation of the people in Gaza, Blinken said, “We are facing a horrific humanitarian situation for children, women, and men in Gaza. As we have said since day one, Israel has a duty to prioritize the protection of civilians and to provide aid to those who are desperately in need of humanitarian assistance. This is something we have been working on almost every day since then.” Blinken added, “100 percent of the population in Gaza is experiencing severe levels of acute food insecurity. According to the United Nations, 100 percent of the population is in need of humanitarian aid. This underscores the urgency and necessity of prioritizing humanitarian aid.”

Blinken is expected to meet with Philippine President Bongbong Marcos after Manalo.

''WAR CRIMINAL, YOU ARE NOT WELCOME''

Blinken was also protested by a large group in Manila. Protesters, reacting to Blinken's visit to Manila, the US military presence in the country, and the support given to Israel, which continues its attacks against Gaza, held a demonstration near the Presidential Palace.

The protesters carried banners reading "Stop US military intervention and genocide" and "War criminal Blinken, you are not welcome."

News Source: İHA