GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Feb 28, CMC – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders say they are “deeply distressed” at the ongoing violence and deteriorating situation in Gaza and call for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire”.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has launched a large-scale military campaign against Hamas in Gaza to retaliate against a surprise Hamas attack on southern Israel, which claimed the lives of about 1,200 Israelis, according to the Israeli authorities.

The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to more than 27,365 deaths, while more than 66,630 others were wounded.

It is estimated that 70 per cent of these deaths were women and children.

The regional leaders, who are ending their four-day summit here on Wednesday, are set to release a statement regarding the “tragic loss of civilian lives, including the deaths of women and children on an unprecedented scale.

“CARICOM reiterates its strong condemnation of the attacks by Hamas and the staking of hostages on October 7, 2023, as well as of the Israeli actions that violate international humanitarian law and the human rights of the Palestine people.”

CARICOM said the “incessant Israeli bombardment” has led to catastrophic loss of lives, destruction of critical infrastructure and the deprivation of basic necessities, food, water and medical supplies.

“In this regard, CARICOM urges an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and safe and unimpeded access for the delivery of adequate and sustained humanitarian assistance.

“We also strongly advocate for the rule of law to prevail and for the return of all hostages and persons held in administrative detention without charge to their families”.

The regional leaders say Israel’s “continued and expanding occupation of Palestinian territory” in the Occupied West Bank “poses a serious and continued threat to a peaceful, secure and stable world.

“CARICOM therefore reaffirms itss unwavering commitment to a holistic raodmap towards a two state solution, in keeping with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 242, as the only viable path to peace between Israelis and Palestinians”.

CARICCOM said it is also deploring the decision of Israel to flout the resolutions of both the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council that call for a ceasefire “as well as the directives imposed on it by the International Court of Justice (ICJ)”.

CARICOM said it was therefore calling on the UN General Assembly to invoke its powers to hold an emergency session “and to issue appropriate recommendations to UN Member States to collectively impose measures designed to motivate Israel to adhere to its obligations” under both the UN resolutions and the ICJ ruling.

The regional leaders said they were also calling for a “renewed commitment to a peaceful resolution” of the Israeli-Palestine conflict through “meaningful dialogue and negotiations”,

Further, they are calling on the international community to “play a constructive role in facilitating a lasting solution to the conflict and achieving a durable peace that guarantees the human rights, dignity and security of both sides”.