The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed cautious optimism over the recent agreement reached on the initial phase of a peace plan for Gaza. The regional bloc described the development as a vital step toward easing the suffering of the Palestinian people and ensuring the safe return of Israeli hostages.
The agreement outlines key measures including a sustained pause in hostilities, the withdrawal of military forces, the reciprocal release of hostages and prisoners, and guarantees of immediate and safe humanitarian access.
In a statement, CARICOM emphasised the importance of all signatories honouring their commitments, stressing that this initial phase must lay the groundwork for a permanent and unconditional ceasefire.
“CARICOM emphatically calls upon all signatories to honour these commitments in full and to ensure this first phase serves as a foundation for a permanent and unconditional ceasefire,” the statement said.
The Community reiterated its longstanding position that a just and lasting peace can only be realized through a negotiated Two-State Solution that respects the security and dignity of both nations in accordance with international law.
Background reports credit the United States with playing a crucial role in facilitating the ceasefire agreement. Through intensive diplomacy and negotiations with the conflicting parties and international partners, the U.S. helped broker the terms aimed at halting hostilities and enabling humanitarian assistance.
