Caribbean nations push for ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict

Caribbean institutions such as CARICOM have spoken about the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict recently, putting their perspective before the world. The Caribbean community helmed by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, has taken a strong stance against the conflict, calling it abhorrent.

CARICOM has not just condemned the attack on Israel’s soil but also is not in favor of the counter attacks being conducted in the territory of Gaza.

In its statement, the organisation went on to say that the violent series of attacks and counter attacks go against the very fabric of a civilized society and way of life. The loss of innocent lives, caught between combatants from both sides is no less gruesome or disheartening.

The CARICOM community stands resolutely against this cycle of violence and had called on the international fraternity to come together as a group of responsible nations, calling for an immediate ceasefire and end of hostilities by all parties involved.

The statement goes as follows; “The recent round of hostilities reflects the pain and suffering of ancient quarrels. The ongoing harsh conditions under which the Palestinians live in veritable colonialism and Israel’s sense of insecurity will contribute to a cycle of violence until those realities are definitively addressed.”

CARICOM went a step further by reiterating its support for the United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 and the subsequent efforts to arrive at a two-state solution. According to the Caribbean community, a two-state solution is the best possible way to progress towards a tranquil, stable and peaceful future for both Israel and Palestine.

Individual nations have also made their stances on the conflict quite clear in recent hours, as the Israeli military ordered a complete siege of the Gaza Strip on Monday. This came as a response to the brutal attack carried out by Hamas on Israel’s soil.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda issued a strongly worded statement as well, condemning the terrorist attack conducted by Hamas fighters.

“No issue is solved by aggression and conflict whose consequences are far reaching and long lasting as the escalation of the situation now shows. We express our sorrow for the civilians who have been killed and extend our deepest sympathy to their families.”

Eamon Courtenay, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Belize, took to twitter and stated the following, “#Belize regrets the hostilities between #Hamas and #Israel and calls for immediate de-escalation. #Israeli#Apartheid must end. We call for a #Palestinian state with all rights including East Jerusalem as its capital and the right of return. #PeaceNotWar!”

#Belize regrets the hostilities between #Hamas and #Israel and calls for immediate de-escalation. #Israeli #Apartheid must end. We call for a #Palestinian state with all rights including East Jerusalem as its capital and the right of return. #PeaceNotWar !

— Eamon Courtenay (@EcourtbzeEamon) October 8, 2023

Shyne Barrow, Belize’s Leader of Opposition stated that the United Democratic Party (UDP), condemns the attack conducted by Hamas and that extremism must always be rejected for the benefit of progress and stability.

Andrew Holness, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, has also condemned the attack, speaking specifically against the abduction of Israeli citizens and the loss of life and limb. He also expressed his support for the people and the government of Israel and the people who have been affected by the attack directly.

He went on to mention that Jamaica stands against the use of violence, which has no place when it comes to maintaining international relations. Violence against civilians is the worst aspect of this conflict according to him.

(1/3) The Government of Jamaica condemns in strongest terms the attack by the Hamas group on Israel, resulting in the deaths, injury and abduction of Israeli civilians. We convey our sympathies to the Government and people of Israel and to the families of all those affected.

— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) October 7, 2023

Jamaica joins the long list of nations which advocate for a return to pursuing diplomatic solutions that bring peace to the region.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves of St Kitts and Nevis spoke about the state which the world finds itself in, at a programme on Sunday.

He said: “There’s so much challenges in the world. There’s so much adrift, so much war, so much confusion. I mean, you see what is happening now between Israel and the Palestinians in Hamas in Gaza. Of course it connects with all the Palestinians everywhere in the Arab world.”

The General consensus in the Caribbean goes towards suing for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Having said that, the mobilization being conducted by the Israeli Army speaks for a direct and quite immense escalation of the issue.

The question remains, will the international community be able to pressurize both sides to put down their weapons or will the world witness another war front opening up.