Dec 29, Colombo: Sri Lanka government today said that it is deeply concerned over the escalating violence in the Gaza Strip as the as Israeli raids on the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas continued for a third day.

Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry in a statement said the increased violence has led to much bloodshed and resulted in increased tension in the region.

“Sri Lanka calls upon all parties concerned to end the violence, to ensure a climate conducive for the re-commencement of negotiations to find a lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Sri Lanka has been a consistent advocate for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to establish an independent Palestinian State within secure borders to co-exist in peace with its neighbours.”

“Sri Lanka calls upon the parties concerned to exercise utmost restraint and work towards immediate de-escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip,” the statement concluded.

Israel Foreign Minister said it has no alternative but to strike as militant Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip broke a fragile cease-fire by firing rockets and mortars deep into Israeli territory.