CARICOM calls for ceasefire in Gaza, de-escalation of Israel-Iran conflict

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) is calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza amid what it describes as a worsening humanitarian crisis marked by a soaring civilian death toll and blocked access to food and aid.

In a statement issued Saturday, COFCOR said it was “deeply disturbed” by the situation in Gaza and the “alarming tensions across the Middle East, which threaten global stability”.

“COFCOR deplores the immense suffering and tragic loss of civilian lives, especially women and children, in Gaza, with more deaths every day and a continued inability to access food and humanitarian assistance. The bombardment and deprivation of basic necessities violate international humanitarian law.

“We condemn all violence against civilians, including the attacks of October 7, 2023, and the taking of hostages. We equally condemn the disproportionate military response and actions that contravene international law, as well as the continued expansion of illegal settlements,” the regional foreign ministers said.

Reaffirming CARICOM’s support for a two-state solution as the only viable path to a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, the ministers urged an end to the attacks.

“COFCOR calls for an immediate, unconditional, and sustained ceasefire in Gaza, urging all parties to ensure safe humanitarian access and the immediate release of all hostages and administrative detainees,” it stated.

COFCOR also raised alarms over the growing threat of regional escalation, particularly following direct military confrontations between Israel and Iran.

According to the CARICOM body, these developments pose a threat to regional and global peace and security.

“The COFCOR stresses the urgent need for de-escalation, restraint, and the avoidance of retaliatory actions to prevent a wider conflict. We call on all actors to exercise maximum diplomatic efforts to facilitate a durable solution to the concerns of the parties,” it said in its statement.

Calling on the international community to redouble efforts for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and negotiation, COFCOR said it remains committed to working with global partners to forge a durable solution that respects the security, sovereignty and aspirations of all peoples in the Middle East.

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.