PH raises concern over rising tension in Lebanon, Israel

DFA logo and building facade. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government emphasized on Friday the need to adhere to international laws following the Israeli military’s possible widening of ground operations against the Hezbollah militant group.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) aired the country’s stand, particularly calling on all parties involved to deescalate the increasing tensions in the Middle East.

“The Philippines expresses grave concern over the increasing tensions in the Middle East region marked by Israeli ground operations in Lebanon,” said the DFA in a statement.

“We emphasize the need to adhere to international humanitarian law, especially the principles of proportionality and distinction in response to security threats, and to ensure the protection of civilians at all times,” it added.

The Israeli military earlier warned people to evacuate communities in southern Lebanon that are outside a United Nations-declared buffer zone, signaling that it may widen a ground operation launched earlier this week against the Hezbollah militant group.