Palace condemns attacks on Israel, conveys condolences over deaths

Malacañang Palace on Sunday conveyed the Philippines' deepest sympathies and condolences to those who have lost family members and loved ones in recent attacks in Israel.

"The Philippines condemns the attacks, especially against civilian populations," the Palace said in a statement.

"The Philippines understands the right of states to self-defense in the light of external aggression as recognized in the United Nations Charter."

Malacañang added that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. ordered all government agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of the overseas Filipino workers and the Filipino community in Israel amid the ongoing conflict.

“The President has instructed the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to locate and account for all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families in Israel,” said the Palace in its statement.

Meanwhile, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss on Sunday called on the Philippine government to stand with Israel amid the attacks of Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israel and support Israel’s move to defend itself and its citizens.

At a press conference, Fluss called the Philippines a “close ally and historical friend” of the state of Israel. The Israeli Embassy in Manila thus expected the country to condemn the terror attacks.

“We expect support from the international community, including from the Philippines, from one side, expressions of support to the right of Israel to defend itself. Not to put pressure on Israel to end this situation. We have to respond. We have to protect. It would take some time,” the ambassador said.

“[We also expect] expressions of condemnation against terrorism, including terrorism coming into Israel from Gaza, [and] expressions of friendship towards Israel,” he added.

On Saturday, Hamas launched the biggest attack on Israel in years, firing rockets and deploying gunmen against several Israeli towns.

Israel’s Home Front Command subsequently issued a “state of war alert.”

Israel said the Iran-backed group had declared war as its army confirmed fighting with militants in several Israeli towns and military bases near Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, vowed to retaliate.

Fluss said the Hamas attacks resulted in the deaths of more than 250 people, injuries to more than 1600, and kidnapping of over a hundred Israelis.

He also stressed that there was yet no information if Filipinos were among the casualties or those taken hostage as the attacks were still ongoing.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it had, so far, not received any reports of casualties among Filipinos in Israel following the attacks.

“Hamas continues to fire rockets into Israel. The terrorist organization entered our cities and residential homes targeting innocent Israeli citizens, including elderly people, women, and children,” Fluss said.

“The Israeli Defense Forces will have to respond to these attacks, initiating a large-scale operation after Hamas has practically announced war against Israel. Israel has the full right to respond and protect itself,” he added.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said Sunday it was monitoring the situation of around 200 OFWs based in the Gaza Strip, from where Hamas has fired a barrage of rockets.

OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio said no Filipino has requested for assistance or repatriation. — DVM, GMA Integrated News