CARICOM Welcomes Biden's Proposal for cessation of Israel's war on Gaza

CARICOM, Turkeyen, Georgetown, Guyana - Monday 3 June 2024   -  Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have reiterated their call for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and unimpeded humanitarian assistance.

In a statement today, CARICOM expressed support for the proposal released by the President of the United States on 31 May for a full and complete ceasefire leading to a cessation of hostilities, and a major reconstruction plan for Gaza.

CARICOM has been calling for all parties to commit to a peaceful resolution of the Israel-Hamas conflict through meaningful dialogue and negotiation. 

Recognising the constructive role that the international community, including Egypt and Qatar, has played in negotiating the proposal put forward by President Biden, CARICOM endorses the three-phase approach starting with a full and complete ceasefire in Phase One, a six week period of withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the release of some hostages, the return of Palestinians to their homes and the provision of humanitarian aid. 

Phase Two would see the release of all remaining hostages, exchange of prisoners and the ceasefire becoming the cessation of hostilities permanently. Phase Three would be a major reconstruction of Gaza.

“CARICOM reiterates its position that lasting peace between Israel and Palestine that guarantees human rights, dignity and security, is through a two-state solution and encourages the implementation of the three-phase proposal as a step towards that objective, The Regional organization said.

Israel’s military incursion on Gaza, now in the eighth month, have displaced 75 percent of its population and left parts of the enclave battling with famine amid catastrophic humanitarian conditions, the United Nations says.

More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, but says the majority of the dead are women and children.

Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack and about 252 taken hostage. During a pause in fighting in November, 105 hostages, including foreign nationals, were released as part of a deal.

Under the Biden proposal, Phase One, lasting six weeks — would bring a full and complete cease-fire and include Israeli withdrawal from all populated areas in Gaza.

Female, elderly and wounded hostages in Gaza would be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel, Biden said.

The remaining American hostages in Gaza would be released in this phase, Biden added, and some remains of the killed hostages would be returned.

Displaced Palestinian civilians would be allowed to return to their homes in all areas of Gaza. There would be a surge in humanitarian aid, with 600 trucks entering the enclave daily, according to the plan. The cease-fire would ensure that the aid is “safely and effectively distributed” to those in need, Biden said.

The Second Phase would see the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza, including male soldiers, Biden said, and Israeli forces would withdraw all forces from Gaza, while Phase three would feature a massive internationally-backed extensive three-to-five year program of reconstruction,  rehabilitation and stabilization of Gaza, Biden said.

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