PM Briceño Stands with Palestine, Condemns Hamas

Prime Minister John Briceño

As we have reported, the Government of Belize has cut diplomatic ties with Israel, calling for a total ceasefire. Today, Prime Minister John Briceño emphasized the importance of differentiating between the actions of the Israeli government and the sentiments of its people. He reiterated Belize’s condemnation of the Israeli government’s bombardment of Gaza, while firmly condemning Hamas for their actions. PM Briceño also responded to NEAB’s criticism of the government’s position.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think the churches are also taking a look to strictly from the Bible. But I believe that our Lord did not give a right to anyone to commit genocide on anybody. And today we’re seeing that the Israeli government, not the people, because there are many, many Israelis that are against the bombardment of Palestine or Gaza in this instance. We are against what the government is doing, the government and the churches need to make a differentiation in that.”

Hipolito Novelo

“An official from the Israeli government who’s in charge of the Caribbean and Mexico told me last week that the government position, the Belize’s government position is basically surrendering to terrorism and that Hamas is indeed a terrorist organization as designated by the USA. How do you respond to that?”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Absolutely not. We condemn Hamas 100%. All of those people that, um, went in and took those hostages need to be brought to justice. And we are very firm on that. But that does not give the Palestinian, and as I said again, I repeat, the Palestinian government. Israel has the right to defend themselves, but it does not give them the right to commit genocide against the Palestinians.”

Hipolito Novelo

“You condemn Hamas.”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Of course! We’ve condemned Hamas from day one. We condemn Hamas a hundred percent.”