Manila, May 23 -- The Philippines on Friday called for the "full, safe, rapid, and unhindered delivery" of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip amid mounting concerns over famine and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Following Israel's decision on May 18 to allow limited aid deliveries through the United Nations after over 11 weeks of a total blockade, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the provision of humanitarian aid must remain under the leadership of the United Nations and other internationally mandated actors.

"Humanitarian response must be based on impartial needs assessments and guided by the principles of neutrality, humanity, and accountability," the department said in a statement.

"The Philippin...