Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza has far-reaching global implications – COFCOR

…urge immediate ceasefire

The Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) has issued a strong statement expressing deep concern over the escalating violence and worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as well as rising tensions throughout the Middle East.
In a statement released this week, COFCOR said it is “gravely concerned” about the continued loss of civilian life—particularly among women and children—and the ongoing obstruction of humanitarian aid. The Council warned that the deepening crisis threatens not only the stability of the region but also global peace and security. The regional foreign Ministers reaffirmed CARICOM’s unwavering commitment to the principles of international law and the protection of human rights. COFCOR condemned in the strongest terms the bombardment of Gaza and the deliberate deprivation of essential services such as food, water, electricity and medical aid—actions it described as serious breaches of international humanitarian law.
“The indiscriminate targeting of civilian infrastructure and the blockade of humanitarian assistance have resulted in immense human suffering and the worsening of an already dire humanitarian catastrophe,” the Council stated.
COFCOR also denounced all acts of violence against civilians, including the October 7, 2023 attacks and the taking of hostages. The Council characterised these as clear violations of international norms and conventions and reiterated its call for an immediate, unconditional, and sustained ceasefire in Gaza. It urged all parties to allow safe humanitarian access and to ensure the immediate release of hostages and administrative detainees.
Reaffirming its long-standing support for a two-state solution, COFCOR emphasised that this remains the only viable path toward achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The Council called on the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts to reach a peaceful resolution through dialogue and negotiation.
COFCOR also voiced concern over the recent direct military confrontations between Israel and Iran and the broader volatility across the Middle East. It stressed the urgent need for de-escalation and the avoidance of retaliatory actions that could fuel a wider conflict.
“We call on all actors to exercise maximum diplomatic efforts to facilitate a durable solution to the concerns of the parties,” the statement added.
The Council expressed solidarity with all victims of the ongoing conflict and reiterated its commitment to working alongside the international community to achieve a sustainable peace that meets the legitimate aspirations for security and stability for all peoples in the region.