PH urges parties to refrain from escalating Israel-Iran tensions

The Philippines on Monday said it was concerned over the tensions between Israel and Iran and urged parties to work on resolving the conflict.

"The Philippines expresses its serious concern over the increasing tensions between Israel and Iran," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

"We urge all parties to refrain from escalating the situation and to work towards a peaceful resolution of their conflict," it added.

"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.

Iran launched attacks against Israel late Saturday (Sunday, PH time), using drones and missiles in retaliation for a supposed Israeli air strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria on April 1. The said Damascus strike killed seven of Iranian military advisers, including three senior commanders.

The Iranian attack caused only modest damage in Israel as most of the missiles and drones were shot down by Israel's Iron Dome defense system with the help of US, Britain, France, and Jordan, according to a report by Reuters. —KG, GMA Integrated News