Manila, March 21 -- The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), expressed grave concern over Israel's latest offensive in Gaza that marked the resumption of its military operations after a two-month ceasefire.

"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 a statement Friday.

"We urge all sides to refrain from escalating the violence and to immediately return to negotiations toward a more permanent ceasefire."

The DFA called on all parties to adhere to their obligations under international law, with particular ...