Philippines joins call for calm after Iran attack on Israel

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Philippines joins call for calm after Iran attack on Israel

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A panoramic view of Jerusalem's Old City is pictured at dawn of April 14, 2024, after Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Israel. Iran launched more than 200 drones and missiles on Israel in an unprecedented attack late April 13, 2024, the Israeli army announced, in a major escalation of the long-running covert war between the regional foes. Ronaldo Schemidt, AFP MANILA — The Philippines on Monday joined voices from around the world calling for calm after Iran’s retaliatory attack on Israel over the weekend.


Iran said its attack came in response to the April 1 air strike on Tehran's consulate building in Damascus, which killed seven Revolutionary Guards including two generals.


The Israeli military said that while 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles were shot down before reaching Israel, a few of the 110 ballistic missiles did get through.


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




“We urge all parties to refrain from escalating the situation and to work towards a peaceful resolution of their conflict.”

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The Philippines deploys migrant workers to all parts of the world and many Filipinos are in the Middle East for work.


Four Filipinos were in the crew of MSC Aries, a ship that Iran seized over the weekend, and are reportedly "safe and sound."


UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres earlier called for de-escalation, saying “neither the region nor the world can afford more war.”



G7 leaders call for restraint


G7 leaders condemned Iran's attack and called for "restraint" on all sides, European Council President Charles Michel wrote on X after a video conference.


"We will continue all our efforts to work towards de-escalation. Ending the crisis in Gaza as soon as possible, notably through an immediate ceasefire, will make a difference."

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Israel's top ally the United States also urged caution and calm.


"We don't want to see this escalate," White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told NBC. "We're not looking for a wider war with Iran."


A senior US official said President Joe Biden had told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Washington would not offer military support for any retaliation on Iran.


"We would not be a part of any response they do," the official told reporters on a call, speaking on condition of anonymity. 


"We would not envision ourselves participating in such an act."

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Biden reaffirmed the United States' "ironclad" support for Israel, but also appeared to guide it away from a military response against the two countries' common adversary, Iran.


Iran's mission to the United Nations also warned Washington to keep out of its conflict with Israel.


It added in a message on X that "the matter can be deemed concluded".


"However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe."


Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday that "the campaign is not over yet -– we must remain alert".

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The Philippines on Monday said it has “long advocated for all states to adhere to the principles of international law and to the peaceful settlement of disputes.” — with a report from Agence France-Presse

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