Expressing grave concern by the ongoing escalation of violence and military action in Gaza, Sri Lanka yesterday called for the immediate release of all hostages taken into Gaza.

“Sri Lanka strongly condemns the violent terror attacks targeting civilians in Israel by Hamas, and calls for the immediate release of all hostages taken into Gaza,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Priyanga Wickramasinghe told Daily Mirror yesterday.

She also said that Sri Lanka calls for the free movement of essential items and humanitarian aid including food, fuel, medicine, and supply of electricity and water to Gaza, and also calls on all sides to prevent further civilian casualties.

The spokesperson said that Sri Lanka condemns terrorism in all its forms, including by all those who resort to violence to achieve their goals whether political or otherwise, further stating that Sri Lanka strongly condemns the violent terror attacks targeting civilians in Israel by Hamas, and calls for immediate release of all hostages taken into Gaza.

She further said that Sri Lanka remains committed to supporting a just and comprehensive negotiated political settlement to the Palestine issue in line with the relevant United Nations resolutions, leading to two states - Palestine and Israel - living side by side based on the 1967 borders.

Sri Lanka Missions in Tel Aviv and Ramallah continue to closely monitor the welfare of Sri Lankans in the affected areas and a cell has been established under the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of senior Foreign Ministry officials, to coordinate welfare measures of Sri Lankans in these areas, she added.