CELAC Statement on Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and Palestinian Territory

We, the Heads of State and Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Chile, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, gathered in Buccament, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, on the occasion of the VIII Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC);

Mindful that CELAC’s 2014 Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace “Reaffirmed the commitment of member countries to the Purposes and Principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and International Law” and declared “that peace is a supreme asset and a legitimate aspiration of all peoples” and “a principle and common value of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC);”

Aware of the intransigence reflected in statements by the Government of Israel, and the exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza:

1. Deplore the killing of Israeli and Palestinian civilians, including the approximately 30,000 Palestinians killed since the commencement of Israel’s incursion into Gaza, and express grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population

2. Strongly endorse the demand of the United Nations General Assembly (A/ES-10/L.27) for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and for all parties to the conflict to comply with international law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians.

3. Note the ongoing cases before the International Court of Justice to determine whether the State of Israel’s continued occupation of the State of Palestine constitutes a violation of international law, and whether Israel’s assault on Gaza would constitute genocide.

4. Demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access to the affected areas, and support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

5. Recall the multiple relevant United Nations General Assembly and Security Council Resolutions, that reiterate the crucial importance of the establishment of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side within secure and recognized borders.

6. Decide to convene, under the pro-tempore presidency of the Republic of Honduras, an appropriate mechanism to actively monitor the impact of this incursion on the recovery, development and security of Palestine, and the pursuit of a just and lasting peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.