Caribbean Community leaders who just ended a three-day summit in Jamaica say they are alarmed at the deteriorating situation in Gaza, calling it an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe as they demand an end to all forms of violence.

The leaders issued a special statement on the conflict involving Palestine and Israel, noting that” urgent calls (for an unconditional ceasefire) “have largely gone unheeded, leading to a crisis of unparalleled proportions. Relentless military operations, including indiscriminate bombardment and direct attacks on aid-seeking civilians, flagrantly violate international humanitarian law,” the leaders said in powerful language.

The conference was also careful to refer to all forms of violence that included the October 2023 attacks on Israeli citizens, suggesting that Israel’s response is “disproportionate,” contravening international law, and a systematic undermining of peace by illegal settlement expansion. The unacceptable dismantling of humanitarian mechanisms, replacing UN-led coordination with military control, demonstrably leads to further civilian casualties,” the statement said.

The bloc of 15 nations and its associate members has repeatedly and consistently spoken out against the violence in that part of the world, calling for good sense to prevail from both sides.

“We are appalled by UN and humanitarian reports depicting widespread hunger, disease, and displacement, deliberately exacerbated by deprivation of basic necessities such as food, water, and medicine. Critical fuel shortages further threaten to halt all lifesaving services. The weaponization of essential resources is morally repugnant, intolerable, and unconscionable,” the leaders stated.

“We, the heads of government, urgently demand an immediate ceasefire.  There must be full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Gaza, ensuring vital aid, including fuel, medical supplies, food, and water, reaches all in need without delay. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and detainees. We demand an end to the forced displacement of Palestinians and the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law.

“It is imperative that there is accountability for all violations of international law, with perpetrators brought to justice. We, the heads of government, reiterate our solidarity with all victims and urge maximum diplomatic efforts for a durable solution to the legitimate security and humanitarian concerns of all parties. The international community cannot stand idly by while this catastrophe deepens.”