Israel’s Foreign Ministry suspects that Sujith Bandara Yatawara of Sri Lankan origin who was reported missing following the outbreak of conflict with Palestine may be among the hostages held by the Hamas militants, it was reported.
According to Lankadeepa, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel Nimal Bandara said Israel’s Foreign Ministry had officially informed the Sri Lankan Mission in Israel in this regard.
Ambassador Bandara said that Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry and Sujith Bandara Yatawara’s family have also been informed in this regard.
He further said that investigations are underway to ascertain if the DNA samples obtained from Sujith Bandara Yatawara’s children are a match to an unidentified body that was found by Israel’s Police.
Despite initially being informed of 222 hostages being held by the Hamas militants, the number of hostages has increased to 239, while four among them have been released, the Ambassador revealed.
Ambassador Bandara went on to say that all measures are underway together with Israeli authorities and other relevant officials to ensure the rescue of Sujith Bandara Yatawara. (NewsWire)