THE TORCH, the student publication of the Philippine Normal University, has expressed support to the people of Palestine following a series of massive airstrikes on Gaza.

Citing the recent red-tagging, illegal arrests, and harassment of critics of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, the Torch argued that the militarization in Palestine is “relatively the same” in the Philippines.

“The AFP-PNP, along with NTF-ELCAC enforced by the US-puppet Duterte regime, is the root cause of massacres and killings of innocent civilians detained and charged with fabricated cases,” it said in a statement.

It also urged the immediate pullout of military support of the United States to Israel “to end its illegal settlements, occupation, and siege.”

“We urge all US-backed militarization to cease the relentless brutal state attacks on Muslim communities in Palestine, in the Philippines, and across all countries globally,” it said.

“These US-backed terrorist attacks will be downed and faced with an uprising and a growing revolt of the masses through international solidarity for sovereignty,” it added.

Since the latest violence began a week ago, hundreds, including 58 children and 34 women, have been killed in the Gaza Strip, according to the region’s health ministry.