PH calls for peaceful resolution of Israel, Iran conflict

THE Philippines on Monday called on Israel and Iran to settle their conflict peacefully to prevent the situation from escalating further.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) urged «all parties to refrain from escalating the situation and to work towards a peaceful resolution of their conflict.»

«The Philippines has long advocated for all states to adhere to the principles of international law and to the peaceful settlement of disputes,» the DFA said.

There are more than 30,000 Filipinos in Israel and over 2,000 in Iran.

Iran launched an unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel Saturday (Sunday in Manila) in retaliation for a deadly April 1 air strike on its embassy in Damascus which killed seven of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, two of them generals.

The Philippine Embassy in Tehran last week expressed its «profound concern over the attack on the Iranian Embassy in Syria resulting in seven casualties.»

«Diplomatic missions and their corresponding locations are sacrosanct, as well as the safety of diplomats and their families,» the embassy posted on Facebook on April 10.

«This principle should be upheld at all times by every law-abiding nation, particularly during periods of history when the work of diplomats is absolutely vital in the pursuit of peace,» it said.

The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv earlier cautioned Filipinos against going to Jerusalem, West Bank, Golan Heights, areas near Gaza and Lebanon amid the heightened security situation in Israel and in the region.