CARICOM has expressed horror at what it describes as the as the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza that continues to worsen.
In a statement on Sunday, CARICOM said it was also concerned at mounting death toll on the civilian population, including women and children, particularly in Gaza, but also in other areas of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The grouping is urging all states to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law in all circumstances in accordance with Article 1 of the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949.
CARICOM says it also condemns any disregard for international humanitarian law, human rights and the laws of war that have resulted in the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza and deprivation of access to basic necessities for the people of Palestine.
Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostages.
Israel has responded with air strikes on Gaza and has launched a ground offensive.
More than 10-thousand-800 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also expressed grave concern that the largest hospital in Gaza has ceased to function and fatalities among patients are rising as a blistering Israeli assault continues in the Hamas-controlled strip.
Hospitals in the north of the Palestinian enclave, including the al-Shifa complex, are blockaded by Israeli forces and barely able to care for those inside.
Three newborns have died at Shifa and more at risk from power outages amid intense fighting nearby.
Israel says it is homing in on Palestinian Hamas militants who launched deadly attacks in southern Israel on October 7, and that the group has command centers under and near the hospitals.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus revealed that he managed to speak to health professionals at Shifa, who described a "dire and perilous" situation with constant gunfire and bombing exacerbating the already critical circumstances.
He has joined other top United Nations officials calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Israel says it is trying to free the more than 200 hostages taken by Hamas militants on October 7 and that the hospitals should be evacuated.
comments powered by Disqus
All feeds
