Jamaica supports humanitarian pause in Gaza, PM Holness insists

By Racquel Porter    

 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says consideration is being given to rectify Jamaica's missing UN General Assembly vote on a humanitarian truce in Gaza and a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers.

 

Mr. Holness says he would not want the missed vote to be a continued distraction from what the government intends to be its position.

 

He explained at a press briefing Wednesday that the government's support for and participation, including drafting and delivering a statement on behalf of CARICOM, is suggestive of what would have been Jamaica's vote on the issue. 

 

"I believe a humanitarian pause is necessary in Gaza. The images that are being broadcast all over the world and my own research into the subject and the information that we receive; I have friends on both sides. Jamaica has a Palestinian community. I noted their peaceful protests earlier. Jamaica also has a Jewish community. We have been petitioned by both."

 

Mr. Holness added that Jamaica has voted "many times in support of the Palestinian cause, and we have also voted in support of matters to do with Israel because on both sides, there are claims that could be justified".

 

He reiterated the Jamaican government's position, insisting "We don't want to see innocent people die."

 

In an update on X, formerly Twitter, on October 27, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, said deliberations were still underway when the UN vote was finalised.