By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), expressed grave concern over Israel’s latest offensive in Gaza that marked the resumption of its military operations after a two-month ceasefire.
“The Philippines is gravely concerned over Israel’s latest offensive in the Gaza Strip, which resulted in the tragic loss of more than 400 Palestinian lives, including over a hundred children, as well as more than 500 injured,” the DFA said in a statement Friday.
“We urge all sides to refrain from escalating the violence and to immediately return to negotiations toward a more permanent ceasefire.”
The DFA called on all parties to adhere to their obligations under international law, with particular emphasis on the protection of civilians, and for the unconditional release of all hostages.
Israel on Tuesday mounted the shock aerial offensive on Gaza, including in Khan Younis and Rafah, shattering a fragile truce finally reached in January.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the airstrikes were launched on the recommendation of the Israel Defense Forces after lack of progress in talks to free more hostages and extend the truce.
In an Anadolu news agency report, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced outrage over the latest Israeli attacks and called for an immediate restoration of the ceasefire and urgent humanitarian assistance.
“I am outraged at this week’s Israeli attacks in Gaza, which killed hundreds of people,” Guterres said in remarks delivered in Leuven, Belgium, where KU Leuven and UC Louvain universities jointly awarded an honorary doctorate to the UN.
He mourned the death of a UN staff member and the wounding of five others after Israeli strikes hit two UN guesthouses in Deir al-Balah. (PNA)
