CARICOM condems Israel

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Caribbean Community leaders Wednesday said they were gravely concerned that Israel’s parliament had voted to block humanitarian aid to Palestinians through the UN’s Relief and Works Agency for refugees (UNRWA).

The block said in a statement that the move by the Israeli Knesset on Monday of this week is a violation of international law and a breach of the UN charter.” CARICOM calls on Israel to allow the UNRWA to continue to operate within the framework of UN General Assembly mandate 302 (IV) of 18 December 1949 in providing essential humanitarian services to Palestinian refugees in areas controlled by Israel, notably in Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.”

The 15-nation grouping also called for a permanent ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages in addition to the provision of humanitarian support for all civilians troubled and affected by ongoing military actions in Gaza and elsewhere

“CARICOM remains steadfast in support of efforts towards a two-state solution within secure borders,” the integration movement stated as it called for the” protection of civilians and the respect for human rights in all circumstances is sacrosanct.”

The Israeli parliament announced it was severing ties with the agency in part because it had been infiltrated by Hamas operatives and should not be allowed to operate in the area. The agency has denied such claims.