Belize announces measures against Israel

BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – The Belize government says it is withdrawing its agreement regarding the accreditation of Israel's Ambassador Designate to the CARICOM country, Einat Kranz-Neiger, as the John Briceno administration “repeatedly condemned the actions of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) in Gaza.

In a statement, the government said it is also suspending “all activities conducted by the Israeli Honorary Consulate in Belize and the appointment of the Honorary Consul”.

Belmopan said that since October 7, the IDF has engaged in “unceasing indiscriminate bombing in Gaza, which has killed more than 11,000 innocent civilians, mostly women and children”.

It said that the bombing has destroyed many buildings and infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and other infrastructure.

The statement by Belize said that more than one million Gazans are internally displaced as a direct result of the war.

“Basic necessities of life – water, food, electricity, and medical supplies – are severely curtailed by the Israeli-imposed siege on Gaza. Lives have been lost as a result,” it said, adding “since the 7th of October 2023, Israel has consistently violated international law, international humanitarian law and the human rights of Gazans.

“The Government of Belize has repeatedly condemned the actions of the IDF in Gaza. We have appealed to Israel to implement an immediate ceasefire and to allow unimpeded access to humanitarian supplies into Gaza. Despite our requests, Israel has not stopped its violations of international humanitarian law nor allowed relief workers to alleviate the suffering of millions of Gazans. “

The statement said with the approval of the Cabinet and other government legislators, the government is “further suspending all activities of Belize's Honorary Consulate in Tel Aviv, Israel and withdrawing the appointment of its Honorary Consul.

“The Government of Belize is also withdrawing its request for accreditation of Mr Jonathan Enav as Belize's Honorary Consul,” the statement said.

“Belize renews its call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unimpeded access to humanitarian supplies into Gaza and the release of all hostages,” Belize said in its statement, making no reference to what led to the war in Gaza in October.

The Belize statement is in contrast to the one issue issued by the 15-member CARICOM grouping of which it is a member.

In its statement, CARICOM said it “abhors the attacks in Israel and the counterattacks in the Palestinian territory of Gaza” and that “the savage nature of the attacks and counterattacks is the antithesis of civilised life and living. Innocent lives are being lost amidst the fervour and violence of the actual combatants.

“CARICOM thus joins the responsible members of the international community in calling for an immediate ceasefire and end of hostilities by all parties.”

CARICOM said it continues to support the United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 and the ongoing efforts of the United Nations” towards a two-state solution as the best way to achieve comprehensive peace, security and tranquillity between Israel and Palestine”.

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.