Israel-Gaza Conflict Addressed During Senate Sitting

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eamon Courtenay, opened today’s sitting of the Senate by reasserting the Government of Belize’s position on the Israel-Gaza conflict in the Middle East that has left thousands dead. In his remarks, Minister Courtenay addressed the October seventh Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. He also touched on Israel’s response to the attack, referring to some of the nation’s actions as “barbaric” and “war crimes”.

Eamon Courtenay

Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“I am compelled to make a statement on behalf of the Government of Belize concerning the latest conflict in the Middle East. I am sure that all Belizeans have been glued in horror to their television and mobile devices since the seventh October 2023 when Hamas militants crossed into Israel and reeked mayhem, killing one thousand five hundred civilians and injuring thousands more. Belize deeply regrets the loss of innocent life, men, women and children of several nationalities because of this operation. More than two hundred innocent persons were captured and being held by Hamas. We demand their immediate and unconditional release. While being held they must be treated humanely and their dignity respected. Madam President on Sunday the eight of October the state of Israel formally declared war on Hamas. That declaration of war obliges Israel to abide by and respect the laws of war. For the past nineteen days the world has watched in horror the scale of Israel’s indiscriminate attacks and unrelenting bombing of Gaza. To date more than six thousand Palestinians including two thousand five hundred children have been slaughtered. A further seven thousand Palestinians have been injured, targeting or recklessly killing innocent civilians is barbaric. We all stand as witnesses as millions of Palestinians in north Gaza are forced, by order of the Israeli government to run for their lives with nowhere to go. Belize’s position is clear; we condemn the unjustified use of force and the killing of innocent civilians by both sides. We call for an immediate cease fire and release of all hostages. We demand that international humanitarian rights and laws be respected by all parties. We call for safe, unimpeded access for adequate humanitarian support to Gaza.”