SJB expresses concern over recent violence in the Gaza Strip

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on Thursday (20 May) expressed grave concern about the renewed violence between Israel and Hamas, calling on both parties to heed the UN Secretary-General’s call for a ceasefire.

“We are particularly concerned by the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, where hundreds of civilians, including dozens of innocent children, have died, and thousands have lost their homes due to aerial bombings and shelling,” the main Opposition party said in a statement, urging the warring parties to end airstrikes and rocket attacks.

The SJB highlighted that the only solution to the conflict was the two-state solution based on the borders of the UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338.

“We urge Israel, as the occupying force, to fully comply with international law, including international human rights law. In particular, we call on Israel to comply with the principle of proportionality to avoid civilian casualties and the destruction of homes, civilian infrastructure and buildings housing the international media. It must also cease the construction of illegal settlements, which have exacerbated the conflict, and are in violation of previous agreements and international law,” the SJB stated.

The SJB affirmed their support to the Palestinian people’s right to live in dignity and to form and maintain the state of Palestine. “We recognise Israel’s right to exist as a state free from acts of aggression and terrorism,” the party added.