Philippines says ‘gravely concerned’ over Israel’s renewed war on Gaza

‘We urge all sides to refrain from escalating the violence and to immediately return to negotiations toward a more permanent ceasefire,’ says Manila

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) – The Philippine government said on Friday that it is “gravely concerned” over Israel’s renewed war on Gaza, calling for a permanent ceasefire

“The Philippines is gravely concerned over Israel’s latest offensive in the Gaza Strip,” according to a statement from Department of Foreign Affairs.

“We urge all sides to refrain from escalating the violence and to immediately return to negotiations toward a more permanent ceasefire,” the statement added.

Manila urged all sides to “adhere to their obligations under international law,” with a particular focus on protecting civilians and the unconditional release of all hostages.

More than 700 Palestinians have been killed and over 900 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since Tuesday, shattering a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement that had held since January.

Nearly 50,000 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and over 112,000 injured in Israel’s military onslaught on Gaza since October 2023.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

Kaynak:

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