MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines expressed grave concern over Israel’s latest offensive in the Gaza Strip, which resulted in the tragic loss of more than 400 Palestinian lives, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday.

“The Philippines is gravely concerned over Israel’s latest offensive in the Gaza Strip, which resulted in the tragic loss of more than 400 Palestinian lives, including over a hundred children, as well as more than 500 injured,” the DFA said in statement released Friday.

The Philippines also urged all sides “to refrain from escalating the violence” and “immediately return to negotiations” toward a more permanent ceasefire.

“We call on all parties to adhere to their obligations under international law, with particular emphasis on the protection of civilians, and for the unconditional release of all hostages,” the statement read.

On Wednesday, Israel military said that its forces resumed ground operations in the central and southern Gaza Strip, as local health workers said that the second day of airstrikes killed 48 Palestinians, Reuters reported.

“The renewed ground operations came a day after more than 400 Palestinians were killed in airstrikes in one of the deadliest episodes since the beginning of the conflict in October 2023, shattering a ceasefire that has largely held since January,” the report said.

It was also reported that the United Nations (U.N.) said a strike killed a foreign staffer and wounded five workers at a U.N. site in central Gaza City on Wednesday.