Durrant Pate/Contributor

Jamaica has decided to officially recognise the State of Palestine following deliberations by the Cabinet on Monday (April 21).

With this decision, Jamaica joins 141 UN member states and becomes the 11th Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to have recognised the State of Palestine. These countries include Ecuador, Egypt, India, Iceland, Romania, Poland, Burundi, Thailand, Tanzania, Iraq, Sweden, Russia, Guyana, Haiti, Suriname, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.

Making the announcement in a press release, Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith says, “The decision is in line with Jamaica’s strong commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, which aim to establish mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among states, as well as the recognition of the right of peoples to self-determination.” 

​​Jamaica’s support for a ceasefire 

She 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,” the minister declared.

She reiterated that “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…By recognising the State of Palestine, Jamaica strengthens its advocacy towards a peaceful solution”.

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. Still, he refrained from commenting on Israel’s attacks on Gaza.

Twelve member states of the CARICOM voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution that supported “the ongoing efforts of the UN towards a two-state solution as the best way to achieve comprehensive peace, security and tranquillity between Israel and Palestine.”

Currently on trial before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for genocide against Palestinians, Israel has been waging a devastating war on Gaza since October 7. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, 34,262 Palestinians have been killed, and 77,229 wounded in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza starting on October 7.

Moreover, at least 7,000 people are unaccounted for, presumed dead under the rubble of their homes throughout the Strip.  

CARICOM said on October 9 last year that it “abhorred the attacks in Israel and the counter-attacks in the Palestinian territory of Gaza” and 12 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.”