Amid rising tensions and security concerns in Gaza, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, has confirmed that at least 27 Sri Lankans residing in the northern part of Gaza are relocating to the southern region of the territory. Ambassador Bandara revealed that these individuals are planning to travel to Egypt, along with other residents of Gaza who are also heading to the southern part of the territory.

"The 27 Sri Lankans are expected to travel to Egypt as part of a larger group of evacuees, and the Representative Office of Sri Lanka in Palestine will coordinate the arrangements through a route opened by Egyptian authorities," Ambassador Bandara explained.

Furthermore, Ambassador Bandara highlighted that there are foreign nationals from approximately 36 countries, including Sri Lanka, among the nearly 150 individuals who are reportedly being held in Gaza by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. He mentioned that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has requested information from Hamas regarding these individuals. Ambassador Bandara expressed his hope that this inquiry will provide information about the whereabouts and status of the two Sri Lankans who have been reported missing in the region.

These developments come in the wake of heightened tensions in Gaza. Last week, the Israeli military issued evacuation orders for approximately 1 million people in the southern part of Gaza in anticipation of a potential ground invasion. The move followed a surprise attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has escalated the ongoing conflict in the region.