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Jamaica officially recognises State of Palestine

A girl waves a Palestinian flag in this file picture. (Photo: AFP)

By Mwangi Maina | 24 Apr 2024

Jamaica joins a list that includes some 140 UN member states and the 11 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.

Jamaica has officially recognised the State of Palestine following Cabinet discussions, joining a list that includes some 140 United Nations (UN) member states and the 11 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.

In the announcement on Tuesday, following the talks the previous day, the Jamaican Foreign ministry said, "The Government of Jamaica has taken the decision to recognise the State of Palestine."

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The decision was confirmed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith.

In his statement, Smith said the decision was in line with the country's strong commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, which establish mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among states and recognise the right to self-determination.

She added, "Jamaica continues to advocate for a two-state solution as the only viable option to resolve the longstanding (Israeli-Palestinian) conflict, guarantee the security of Israel and uphold the dignity and rights of Palestinians."

Smith reaffirmed Jamaica's support for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and access to humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.

"Jamaica continues to support all efforts for de-escalation and the establishment of lasting peace in the region, imploring all parties to consider the dire consequences of further conflict and commit to diplomatic solutions ensuring the safety and sovereignty of all," she said.

Besides Jamaica, countries that have recognised the State of Palestine include Ecuador, Egypt, India, Iceland, Romania, Poland, Burundi, Thailand, Tanzania, Iraq, Sweden, Russia, Guyana, Haiti, Suriname, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.

CARICOM stated on October 9 last year that it "abhorred the attacks in Israel and the counterattacks in the Palestinian territory of Gaza".

Twelve of its countries voted for a UN General Assembly resolution supporting "the ongoing efforts of the UN towards a two-state solution as the best way to achieve comprehensive peace, security, and tranquility between Israel and Palestine."

"The ongoing harsh conditions under which the Palestinians live in veritable colonialism and Israel's sense of insecurity will contribute to a cycle of violence until those realities are definitively
addressed," a CARICOM statement said.

Jamaica's Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, had shown solidarity with Israel and called for a cessation of hostilities and a return to peace within internationally agreed guidelines, but he refrained from commenting on Israel's attacks on Gaza.