Belize Council of Churches Weighs in G.O.B.’s Israel Decision

The Belize Council of Churches also issued a release on the contentious issue earlier today stating, “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, is unfortunate, and fails to foster the dialogue necessary for peace; however, we are hopeful to hear that the measures taken stops short of formally revoking relations with Israel.  We look forward to the G.O.B. prudently restoring relations when possible.  Although much healing and time will be necessary, it is the position of the church that a two-state solution remains the best option in the long-term, where peoples are respected, and the cultures are promoted and preserved”.

Moses Benguche

Bishop Moses Benguche, Belize Council of Churches

“I want to believe that the statement doesn’t only reflect on that of which is the position that we have taken insofar as the government is concerned, more so than we are concerned about the conflict that is currently taking place between Israel and Hamas at this time.  It is to that specific issue we first spoke, that we are concerned about what is taking place so far as the atrocities.  The church is sympathetic to the plight of the Palestinians and particularly those in Gaza and the West Bank who are suffering at this time. We continue as a church to call at this time for an end to the war, not only a ceasefire but an end to the conflict that is taking place between Israel and Hamas at this time.  But we also encourage our government and that is the reason why the last part of our statement would have raised concern about the decision that our government has taken to temporarily severe ties with Israel.  We are concerned about that because it doesn‘t sit well with the resolution from the United Nations, Resolution 242 where what should actually be taking place is seek to find a solution and find a solution insofar as the two-state solution is concerned where Israel and its neighbors can live in peace.”