Sri Lankan parliament unanimously backs motion against Israeli attacks on Palestinians

Lawmaker urges President Ranil Wickremesinghe to condemn Israeli actions after recent airstrikes on Jenin refugee camp in occupied West Bank

21/07/2023 Friday
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Sri Lanka's parliament unanimously endorsed a motion on the humanitarian situation in Palestine, urging the country's president to condemn recent attacks by Israel in the occupied West Bank, local media reported on Thursday.

Lawmakers debated the motion on Tuesday after it was proposed by Imthiaz Bakeer Markar, a member of the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya bloc, who accused Israel of depriving Palestinians of "their citizenship rights and making them third-class, slave citizens of the Palestinian territories," according to the local Daily FT newspaper.

Also addressing parliament, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said recent Israeli airstrikes on the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank were unacceptable and said it was Sri Lanka's duty to speak for Palestinians.


"On every occasion that I have addressed the United Nations, I have consistently emphasized Sri Lanka’s steadfast commitment to standing with Palestine and raising awareness about their enduring plight,” Rajapaksa said.

For his part, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya's leader Sajith Premadasa said the bloc presented the motion to raise its voice in parliament for political, social, economic and security rights of the Palestinian people.

"Palestinians are facing attacks characterized by state terrorism and barbarism. Innocent mothers, children, and citizens are in grave danger, and their lives are being subjected to murderous and cruel attacks. It is important for us to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people during this challenging time," Premadasa said.

Vijitha Herath, a parliamentarian from the National People's Party (NPP), urged President Ranil Wickremesinghe to issue an official statement condemning Israel's behavior, especially relating to the attack on Jenin, according to report.

Earlier this month, Israeli forces' raids into Palestinian towns led to escalating tensions across the West Bank.

At least 12 Palestinians were killed and more than 140 injured in the latest offensive.

Over 190 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the start of this year, according to the Health Ministry.

At least 25 Israelis have also been killed in separate attacks during the same period.