G.O.B. Responds to Belize Council of Churches and NEAB

In acknowledging the press releases issued by the Belize Council of Churches and the National Evangelical Association of Belize, the Government of Belize responded to the respective statements.  G.O.B.’s response addresses the concern of the Council of Churches regarding the suspension of diplomatic relations with Israel.  It goes on to say, quote, the public should be aware that Belizeans are free to visit Israel.  There is no visa requirement.  Furthermore, when the war erupted, the government arranged with a friendly third country to render aid and assistance to any Belizean in Israel in difficulty.  Therefore it is incorrect for the BCC to say, “The recent decision of the Government of Belize to suspend diplomatic relations with Israel, therefore, increase obstacles for Belizeans wanting to visit the Holy Land.” In respect of NEAB’s statements, the Government of Belize stated for the record that Prime Minister John Briceño, during the meeting of the House of Representatives on October thirteenth, stated that Belize does not support what Hamas did on October seventh.  Government’s release ends by noting that neither the BCC nor NEAB condemned the killing of over eleven thousand civilians by Israeli Defense Force, and the internal displacement of more than one million Gazans.  Neither did the religious organizations condemn Israel’s relentless and indiscriminate bombing for nearly fifty days.