Sri Lanka premier calls for cease-fire as Israel bombs Gaza

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) – The Sri Lankan prime minister on Monday called for a cease-fire as Israel continues to pound Gaza with bombs and artillery.

“It is my sincere belief that the Israeli-Palestinian region is Holy Land that is sacred to people of many faiths. As such, I earnestly urge both sides to show restraint and de-escalate hostilities and commence negotiations for a ceasefire,” Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a statement.

The Israeli military has staged airstrikes across the Gaza Strip since May 10, leaving behind a massive trail of destruction. While the death toll has risen to 200, including women and children; over 1,300 others have been injured.

Tensions that started in East Jerusalem during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan spread to Gaza as a result of Israeli assaults on worshippers in the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.

“I am deeply concerned about the latest hostilities within the Israeli-Palestinian region, which has already caused untold suffering for the people on both sides of the conflict,” said Rajapaksa.

He added that the Palestinian people’s legitimate right to statehood "must be upheld," and that only negotiations could resolve the matter permanently.