COLOMBO, Aug 9: Sri Lanka has voiced strong concern over Israel’s decision to take military control of Gaza, warning that the move risks worsening violence in the already war-torn territory.
In a statement issued Saturday, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry said the decision would intensify the suffering of civilians in Gaza and push the conflict further from a peaceful resolution. The ministry urged “an immediate ceasefire” and called on all sides to address differences through diplomatic dialogue to achieve sustainable peace.
“Sri Lanka expresses deep concern over the decision by Israel to seize control of Gaza, which will lead to further escalation of violence and suffering of the people of Gaza,” the statement read. Colombo stressed that only negotiations, not military action, can pave the way toward a lasting solution to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions following recent clashes, airstrikes, and humanitarian warnings from the United Nations about the worsening conditions for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.