Antigua and Barbuda among CARICOM States call for humanitarian truce in Gaza

Antigua and Barbuda joined 119 other countries in approving a resolution that called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in Gaza.

The countries that voted in favor of the resolution included The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Antigua and Barbuda.

Haiti abstained from voting, while 14 other countries voted against the resolution. Jamaica was expected to vote, but missed the vote, which has led to criticism online.

Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs Minister has updated the situation regarding X (formerly known as Twitter).

It was explained that consultations were taking place with Kingston, but unfortunately, they did not conclude in time for the close of the vote.

 Jamaica welcomes the action taken by the UNGA in response to the hostilities, and the country hopes it contributes to progress. Importantly, JA chairs the CARICOM caucus at the UN and delivered the attached statement earlier.

The General Assembly adopted the Jordanian resolution, marking the first formal response of the United Nations to the Hamas terror attacks of October 7.

Despite the Security Council’s inability to reach a consensus on any action on four separate occasions, the resolution was adopted. However, it is worth noting that it does not explicitly mention the militant group that controls Gaza, Hamas, which led to a Canadian amendment being proposed.

The resolution calls for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce” and emphasizes the importance of all parties complying with international humanitarian law.

It also emphasizes the need for essential supplies and services into the Gaza Strip to be provided “continuously, sufficiently, and unhindered”.

Additionally, the resolution calls for the “immediate and unconditional release” of all civilians held captive and demands they receive humane treatment in compliance with international law.

In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the current ground operation in Gaza is the second stage of what he predicts will be a long and challenging conflict with Hamas.

He confirmed that Israeli commanders are present throughout the Gaza Strip as intense bombing continues.