(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) The Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) express their grave concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East and deplore the attendant loss of life, the majority reportedly being women and children, as well as the widespread destruction.

The ongoing and intensifying conflict in an already volatile region poses a threat to international peace and security. CARICOM reiterates its attachment to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, in particular the peaceful settlement of disputes.

CARICOM therefore supports the call of the UN Secretary General for an immediate cessation of hostilities. This would bring an end to further human suffering as well as create the conditions for the necessary negotiations for a lasting peace.