Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined other world leaders in condemning a series of terror attacks by Islamists in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, which left at least 359 dead and more than 500 injured.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said: “In the name of the citizens of Israel, I express deep shock at the murderous attacks against innocent people in Sri Lanka”.
He also offered Israel’s assistance to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the attacks: “Israel is ready to assist the authorities in Sri Lanka at this difficult time. The whole world must unite in the struggle against the plague of terrorism”.
The suicide bombers targeted churches and top-end hotels across Sri Lanka. Three of the blasts were at churches while worshippers were at Easter mass and the other three blasts rocked the Shangri-La, Kingsbury and Cinnamon Grand hotels in Colombo.
Five hours after the initial attacks, a blast was reported near the zoo in Dehiwala, southern Colombo, and an eighth explosion was reported near the Colombo district of Dematagoda during a police raid, killing three officers.
According to police sources, an attack on a fourth hotel failed and helped lead police to the Islamist group now blamed for the attacks.
Eight Britons were killed in the attacks, including Jewish siblings Daniel and Amelie Linsey.
On Tuesday, Islamic State said it had carried out the attacks, and released video of men it says were the bombers, pledging allegiance to the group.
The Sri Lankan government has admitted a “major intelligence lapse” after it was revealed that an Indian intelligence warning from the beginning of April about planned attacks was not properly shared by the authorities.
