Sri Lanka welcomes initial phase of Gaza peace agreement

Saturday, 11 October 2025 00:55 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka yesterday welcomed the initial phase of the agreement for peace in Gaza and emphasises the critical need for comprehensive and lasting peace and stability in the region.

“Having experienced the profound suffering and devastation caused by conflict in the past, Sri Lanka deeply understands the importance and true value of peace. Sri Lanka hopes this important step will pave the way for long-lasting peace in Gaza,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

It said Sri Lanka also commends the significant efforts led by the President of the United States of America, and mediated by the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Republic of Türkiye to reach this agreement.

“While recognising the legitimate and sensitive concerns of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples, Sri Lanka reiterates its support for Palestinian people’s right to statehood. Sri Lanka urges both parties to engage in constructive dialogue to achieve lasting peace and stresses the importance of the early implementation of the UN General Assembly resolutions regarding a two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders,” the statement added.

The BBC yesterday reported Israeli troops began withdrawing to an agreed position within the Strip, with the IDF confirming in the last few moments that a ceasefire is now in place.

The agreement indicates Hamas now has 72 hours to release all remaining hostages.

Israeli prime minister declared shortly after 00:00 BST as confirmation came through that both Israel and Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release plan for Gaza.

Israelis and Gazans alike had been seen celebrating the prospect of a deal which will see an initial withdrawal of Israeli troops, a ceasefire, and an exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

The IDF has confirmed that a ceasefire has been implemented after Israeli troops positioned themselves in newly agreed positions.

It followed some confusion around the timing of a ceasefire after air strikes had continued throughout the night and into this morning.

Meanwhile, the US has moved 200 troops to Israel to help coordinate the operation, officials said, but they will not enter into Gaza itself. Aid organisations have also this morning outlined plans to help.

And looking ahead, sticking points remain when it comes to a longer term agreement between Israel and Hamas – including negotiation on a Palestinian state and the role of the Palestinian Authority, the BBC reported.