Gaza Military Operations Represent the Peak of Human Brutality: Diplomat Dayan Jayatilleka

17-Jan-2026

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The military operations being carried out in Gaza are not merely acts of war, but represent the peak of human brutality, stated diplomat Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka.

He made these remarks while addressing the book launch event held on 13 January at the Lighthouse Auditorium in Colombo.

Speaking further, he said that every generation faces a major moral challenge, and it is essential to remind humanity of its mutual obligations and fundamental responsibilities, regardless of distance.

The military actions in Gaza, he reiterated, are not simply warfare but the height of human cruelty. No words are sufficient to describe the deliberate atrocities being carried out there, which he said are comparable to historical crimes such as Nazism.

He noted that Sri Lanka’s mainstream political tradition has consistently supported Palestine. However, he expressed concern that the current government is deviating from the firm stance of previous administrations that severed ties with Israel.

He further stated that the increasing presence of what he described as “Zionist dominance” in Sri Lanka, and the maintenance of relations with Israel by Sri Lankan ministers at a time when genocide is alleged to be occurring in Gaza, is deeply troubling and contrary to Sri Lanka’s long-standing foreign policy.

Beyond policy differences, he praised Imthiaz Bakeer Markar for consistently raising his voice for Palestinian liberation, stating that the convergence of Sri Lanka’s friendship with Palestine and Imthiaz’s commitment represents a powerful and exemplary union.