Israeli Strikes on Lebanon Cause Casualties; Philippines Urges Diplomatic Resolution to Conflict

The United States and Iran reached a two-week ceasefire agreement on the 7th, but Israel stated that the ceasefire scope does not include Lebanon, and intensely airstriked Lebanon on the 8th, leaving hundreds dead and over a thousand injured. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement today expressing "grave concern" over the Middle East conflict and the deteriorating humanitarian situation. It called for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and simultaneously urged all parties to fully comply with international humanitarian law, especially to ensure the safety of civilians and UN humanitarian workers. The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1701 in August 2006, the main content of which was to demand a cessation of hostilities between the Lebanese Hezbollah and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Manila also called on all parties to the conflict to cease hostile actions and resolve this conflict, which has caused global anxiety and driven up fuel prices, through diplomatic channels. Currently, there are about 14,000 Filipinos living and working in Lebanon. The Philippine DFA, citing reports from the embassy in Beirut, stated that currently no Filipinos were injured in the attacks. (Editor: Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150409