File Photo: Palestinian flags flutter on a square in the city of Rawabi, just north of Ramallah in the West Bank. AFP
“The decision is in line with Jamaica’s strong commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, which aim to establish mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among States, as well as the recognition of the right of peoples to self-determination,” Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith said in a statement.
“Jamaica continues to advocate for a two-state solution as the only viable option to resolve the longstanding (Israeli-Palestinian) conflict, guarantee the security of Israel, and uphold the dignity and rights of Palestinians. By recognizing the State of Palestine, Jamaica strengthens its advocacy towards a peaceful solution,” she added.
Similarly, Johnson Smith reiterated Jamaica’s concerns about the Israeli war on Gaza and the ever-deepening humanitarian crisis, stressing that the conflict between Israel and Palestine should be resolved through peaceful and diplomatic means without resorting to military action.
Jamaica now joins 141 UN member states and the 11 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries recognizing the State of Palestine.
On the other hand, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed Jamaica's decision and renewed its call on all countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so as soon as possible, Wafa news agency reported.
Short link: