Sri Lanka and Pakistan have shared grave concerns about the ongoing escalation of violence and military action in Gaza, stating that it has resulted in deaths and injuries to many innocent civilians and children causing a grave humanitarian situation.
The concerns were raised during a discussion between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on the side-lines of the ‘One Belt – One Road’ international conference in China on Tuesday (Oct 17).
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said issuing a joint statement, the two leaders called upon all parties to the conflict for immediate cessation of violence to prevent further civilian casualties.
They also called for the opening of a humanitarian corridor to help those under siege in Gaza with essential food, water, and medical supplies.
Both leaders also further stressed the necessity of achieving a political solution to the prolonged conflict in Gaza and appealed to all parties concerned to seek avenues to resolve the conflict through negotiations based on a two-state solution.
The joint statement comes after the two leaders deliberated on the critical developments unfolding in the Gaza Strip and reached a consensus to issue the statement, reflecting their common stance on the matter.
Two Sri Lankan women have been confirmed dead in Israel, while two are reported to have been abducted near the Israel- Jordan border and a man has reportedly been injured thus far in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas militants enters its 11th day today, with the Israeli army continuing its bombardments of the Gaza Strip. At least 2,848 Palestinians, including 750 children killed by Israeli forces, while more than 1,400 Israelis were also killed in fighting.
The escalating violence between Israel and Palestine has also resulted in a steady exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon over the past few days, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict. (NewsWire)
