The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, today is the final day of the Committee Stage debate on the Appropriation Bill. While we must comment on the Budget performance of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, I must draw the House’s conscience to the terrible incidents unfolding in Gaza.

¶ 02 Israel has resumed military operations after refusing to renew the ceasefire, leading to grave humanitarian, social, political and legal concerns. Over 500 Palestinians, including women and children, have already died with casualties rising daily. Gazans, like Muslims worldwide, are in Ramadan—a month of patience, care, sacrifice and reflection—yet they are attacked even as they take the pre-dawn meal for fasting. The area where they are crammed is under siege; food, medical access and emergency services are cut off. Nearly all medical facilities are non-operational due to continued bombings and killing of medical staff over the past 15 months. Children and women are clear targets; families are massively displaced under genocidal conditions. Homes, hospitals, schools, universities and UN facilities are being destroyed, worsening the devastation of civilian infrastructure and denying basic necessities.

¶ 03 The UN has condemned the airstrikes as violations of international law and demanded civilian protection. Some Western countries and Saudi Arabia have urged a ceasefire and a two-State solution; the Arab League and OIC too. But for a two-State solution to matter, Israel must be denied legitimacy for creating “facts on the ground.” Influential Arab countries, including the UAE and Turkey, must do more than exhortations. Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran have condemned Israel, calling for an immediate ceasefire. Shockingly, the United States continues to back Israel. President Trump approved US$ 18 billion in assistance to enable Israel to finish its “unfinished job” and outrageously suggested turning Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East,” provoking global protest. Arab countries led by Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar met in Egypt to offer an alternative reconstruction and governance plan, seeking to assume responsibility without US involvement.

¶ 04 Despite US-Israeli efforts to deter developing countries from condemning violations, several stood up. Bangladesh urged the UN to act. Bolivia and Belize severed ties with Israel. Chile and Colombia recalled ambassadors. Honduras condemned what it called genocide. Many Asian and African countries took courageous stands. South Africa condemned Israel, moved the ICJ, and obtained provisional orders that Israel prevent acts of genocide and facilitate aid. India seems to have lost its moral voice, with allegations of citizens fighting alongside Israeli forces. Singapore’s Foreign Minister affirmed support for a negotiated two-State solution per UNSC resolutions.

¶ 05 Israel’s war on Gaza and occupation of Palestinian Territory, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem, entail horrendous violations: failure to distinguish civilians from combatants violates the Geneva Conventions; civilian casualties and destruction breach proportionality; the blockade constitutes prohibited collective punishment; strikes on protected facilities violate law.

¶ 06 When we were accused over the final phase of our war, the world was urged to act against us. We must now conscientiously stand against these attacks. The ICJ has found grounds of genocide; the ICC has issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu for potential war crimes.

¶ 07 These attacks must stop immediately. Sri Lanka should join calls for a ceasefire, prioritize humanitarian aid, and support accountability for violations by Israel. We have historically given moral leadership to Palestine; we must shed our recent strategic torpor and rejoin the anti-occupation camp, leading especially smaller nations to push for justice and peace. With growing calls for arms embargoes and sanctions, Sri Lanka should carefully watch and revive our once-acclaimed disarmament and non-proliferation leadership.

¶ 08 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must refocus on the Israeli-Palestinian question and show initiative and leadership. The Ministry of Defence should assess national and international security interests dispassionately. National reconciliation and unity will not be advanced by enabling coercive Israeli influence. The Government must issue a clear statement on the oppressive occupation and the horrendous war on Gaza and the Palestinian people. I urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to speak up now, at least to call for immediate restraint and condemn the latest atrocities in Gaza, as many countries have done.

¶ 09 Thank you.