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The CARICOM Heads of Government have issued a clear and unequivocal condemnation of the ongoing crimes against humanity in Gaza.<\/p>\n
Precipitating from the 49th Heads of Government gathering in Jamaica, they have issued a joint statement expressing their profound distress over the “appalling situation” and the “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe,” condemning the violence and civilian suffering caused by relentless military actions and violations of international law in Gaza.<\/p>\n
Against the backdrop of the region’s evolving relationship with Palestine, and a consensus in recognizing its statehood as of May 2024, the statement highlights their outrage at reports of widespread hunger, disease, and displacement.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, the bloc of regional leaders go on the record in stating:<\/p>\n
“The weaponization of essential resources is morally repugnant, intolerable and unconscionable.”<\/p>\n
They further condemned all violence against civilians, including the attacks on October 7, 2023, and the disproportionate military response that undermines peace efforts.<\/p>\n
In terms of solutions, CARICOM called for an immediate ceasefire and insists on “full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access” to ensure aid reaches those in need.<\/p>\n
They demand the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and detainees,” as well as the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law.<\/p>\n
The Heads also condemn the demolition of humanitarian mechanisms and illegal settlement expansion, emphasizing that accountability must be upheld for all violations of international law.<\/p>\n
Reaffirming their support for a two-state solution, they urge the international community to intensify efforts toward a just and lasting peace, standing in solidarity with all victims and emphasizing that “the international community cannot stand idly by while this catastrophe deepens.”<\/p>\n
Notably, Belize was the first nation under the CARICOM umbrella to take categorical action regarding its stance on Gaza, and in 2023 severed diplomatic relations with Israel.<\/p>\n
Additionally, last month Barbados’ Caribbean Movement for Peace and Integration (CMPI) filed an unprecedented case against the State of Barbados in the nation’s Supreme Court, calling for “urgent national action in response to Israel\u2019s ongoing atrocities in Gaza.”<\/p>\n
The Caribbean Community welcomed its first Palestinian ambassador, Dr. Linda Sobeh Ali, on July 3, 2025.<\/p>\n
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***<\/strong><\/p>\n Full statement below:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n We, the Heads of Government of CARICOM, are profoundly distressed by the escalating and appalling situation in Gaza, now an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. We express grave concern over the immense, unabated suffering and tragic loss of civilian lives, particularly women and children.<\/em><\/p>\n CARICOM has consistently called for an immediate, unconditional, and sustained ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access. These urgent calls have largely gone unheeded, leading to a crisis of unparalleled proportions. Relentless military operations, including indiscriminate bombardment and direct attacks on aid-seeking civilians, flagrantly violate international humanitarian law.<\/em><\/p>\n We are appalled by UN and humanitarian reports depicting widespread hunger, disease, and displacement, deliberately exacerbated by deprivation of basic necessities such as food, water, medicine. Critical fuel shortages further threaten to halt all lifesaving services. The weaponization of essential resources is morally repugnant, intolerable and unconscionable.<\/em><\/p>\n We unequivocally condemn all violence against civilians, including the abhorrent 7 October 2023 attacks and hostage-taking. We equally condemn the disproportionate military response, actions contravening international law, and systematic undermining of peace by illegal settlement expansion. The unacceptable dismantling of humanitarian mechanisms, replacing UN-led coordination with military control, demonstrably leads to further civilian casualties.<\/em><\/p>\n CARICOM reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a two-state solution as the only viable path to comprehensive, just, and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, consistent with UN Security Council Resolutions and international law. We lament the belligerent and continued disregard for these resolutions, urging the international community to redouble efforts for strict adherence and enforcement.<\/em><\/p>\n We, the Heads of Government, urgently demand an immediate ceasefire. There must be full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Gaza, ensuring vital aid, including fuel, medical supplies, food, and water, reaches all in need without delay. We call for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and detainees. We demand an end to forced displacement of Palestinians and protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law. It is imperative that there is accountability for all violations of international law, with perpetrators brought to justice.<\/em><\/p>\n We, the Heads of Government, reiterate our solidarity with all victims and urge maximum diplomatic efforts for a durable solution to the legitimate security and humanitarian concerns of all parties. The international community cannot stand idly by while this catastrophe deepens.<\/em><\/p>\n CARICOM stands ready to support all constructive initiatives for a lasting peace that meets the legitimate aspirations for security, dignity, and stability of all Israelis, Palestinians, and peoples in the wider Middle East.<\/em><\/p>\n Agreed 8 July 2025<\/strong><\/em>
\nMontego Bay, Jamaica<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The CARICOM Heads of Government have issued a clear and unequivocal condemnation of the ongoing crimes against humanity in Gaza. Precipitating from the 49th Heads of Government gathering in Jamaica, they have issued a joint statement expressing their profound distress…","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":344691,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_cbd_carousel_blocks":"[]","footnotes":""},"categories":[235,76,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-344690","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-homepage-carousel","category-international-relations","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n