Tuesday Feb 24, 2026
Tuesday Feb 24, 2026
Friday, 20 February 2026 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka has joined more than 100 countries and international organisations in signing a joint statement condemning Israel’s unilateral measures in the occupied West Bank and rejecting any form of annexation, according to an updated list of signatories released by the Palestinian Mission to the UN.
Sri Lanka was not among the initial 85 UN member States named in the first list circulated by the Palestinian Mission. However, in a subsequently updated list shared publicly on social media, Sri Lanka appeared among several additional countries that have since endorsed the declaration, bringing the total number of signatories to over 100.
The joint statement strongly condemns what it describes as unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel’s “unlawful presence” in the occupied West Bank, noting such actions are contrary to Israel’s obligations under international law and “must be immediately reversed.”
It underscores a robust opposition to any form of annexation and reiterates the rejection of measures “aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem.”
Signatories to the statement include a diverse group of nations from across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Among those listed are Afghanistan, Algeria, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, South Africa, Spain, the UK, Uruguay, Venezuela and Zimbabwe, along with Sri Lanka. Global blocs such as the League of Arab States, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the EU also endorsed the declaration.
The joint declaration expresses deep concern that unilateral actions in the West Bank “violate international law, undermine ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region, run counter to the Comprehensive Plan, and jeopardise the prospect of reaching a peace agreement ending the conflict.”
It calls on States to uphold their commitments under international law, relevant UN resolutions and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, particularly regarding the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
Reaffirming a commitment to peace, the statement reiterates that “just and lasting peace” can only be achieved through a negotiated two-State solution in which Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace and security within secure, recognised borders based on the 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem.
Sri Lanka’s decision to sign the statement aligns with its historically consistent support for Palestinian self-determination and broader multilateral engagement on Middle East issues. The move comes amid a wider diplomatic trend in which countries have publicly reiterated commitments to international law and opposition to unilateral territorial measures in the West Bank.
The updated list of signatories was released as international tensions over West Bank policies continue to draw global scrutiny, with other countries, including India and many European States, also issuing formal condemnations of Israel’s approach to settlement expansion and control over occupied territories.
