The Philippines is "profoundly saddened" by the bombing of Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, which killed hundreds of innocent civilians, adding to the growing list of casualties in the Israel-Hamas war.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday night pressed for the protection of civilians, saying all parties involved "should do their utmost" to do so in times of war and conflict.
"The Philippines is profoundly saddened over the recent bombing of the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza," DFA said in a statement.
"We grieve for the hundreds of innocent lives lost in this tragic incident, non-combatants which include medical practitioners, children, the wounded, and displaced individuals who only sought shelter at the facility," it added.
The Philippine government said it is supporting the efforts of the United Nations to provide humanitarian relief in the conflict areas, as fighting between the two sides continues and is already severely affecting the civilian population.
Israel declared war against Hamas militants, who control the Palestinian territory of Gaza, after the latter made a surprise attack on the Jewish state on Oct. 7.
Meanwhile, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said, in a press conference, that the Philippines was putting its trust in the Israeli government to ensure the safety of the Filipino people.
"We're confident in the promise that they would protect Filipinos," de Vega said.