2 Filipinos killed amid Israel-Hamas conflict – DFA

TWO Filipinos were killed amid the armed conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday.

”The Philippines condemns the killing of two Filipino nationals and all other acts of terrorism and violence as a result of Hamas actions against Israel,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said in a statement.

One fatality is still being verified, according to the Philippine Embassy in Israel, as three remain missing and 26 others have been rescued.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed sadness over the deaths.

“My heart is heavy upon hearing confirmation of the deaths of two Filipinos in Israel. The Philippines condemns these killings and stands firmly against the ongoing terror and violence,” the President said.

Manalo said the Philippines ”is ready to work with other countries towards a long-lasting resolution to the conflict, in accordance with pertinent UN Security Council Resolutions and the general principles of international law.”

Israel said it recaptured Gaza border areas from Hamas on Tuesday, the fourth day of fierce fighting that has left thousands dead on both sides since the militants launched a surprise attack.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Israel’s military campaign following Saturday’s onslaught is only the start of a sustained war to destroy Hamas and “change the Middle East”.

Fears of a regional conflagration have surged ahead of an expected Israeli ground incursion into Gaza, the crowded, impoverished enclave from which Hamas launched its land, air, and sea attack on the Jewish Sabbath.

The death toll in Israel has surged above 1,000 following the worst attack in the country’s 75-year history, while Gaza officials reported 900 people killed so far, and Israel’s army said the bodies of roughly 1,500 militants had been found.  

with a report from Agence France Presse