Belize Joins Diplomatic Efforts Urging an 'Immediate Ceasefire' between Israel and its Opponents
Belize severs ties with Israel, demanding urgent ceasefire in Gaza, joining growing discontent in the Western Hemisphere over Israeli government's conduct
Belize has decided to sever diplomatic ties with Israel due to its refusal to abide by a ceasefire in Gaza. This decision adds to the growing list of Western Hemisphere countries expressing their discontent with the Israeli government's conduct during the war.
"On Tuesday, Belize released a statement expressing its condemnation of the IDF's actions in Gaza. We have consistently urged Israel to implement an immediate ceasefire and to allow unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Despite our appeals, Israel has continued to violate international humanitarian law and has prevented relief workers from helping the suffering millions in Gaza," stated the Belize government. "Belize continues to advocate for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unrestricted access for humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages."
The content has been rewritten in a better way:
The Central American country has also revoked its accreditation for the Israeli ambassador and halted its diplomatic activities in Tel Aviv.
Belize joins a list of neighboring countries such as Colombia, Chile, and Bolivia, who have cut off diplomatic relations or called back their ambassadors from Israel. Several Middle Eastern and African nations, including Turkey, Jordan, and South Africa, have also withdrawn their ambassadors in recent weeks.
Israel declared war on Hamas, the Palestinian militant group governing Gaza, and enforced a "total blockade" of the region in response to terrorist acts committed by Hamas in Israel on October 7th. The Hamas attacks caused approximately 1,200 fatalities and resulted in the captivity of 240 individuals, many of whom are still held in Gaza.
Since then, Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of at least 11,180 Palestinians, including 4,609 children and 3,100 women, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah. These figures are compiled from medical sources within Gaza.
International pressure on the Israeli government has intensified due to reports of dire conditions at Gaza's hospitals, with a critical shortage of fuel, as well as severe scarcities of food and water. On Tuesday, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres reiterated his plea for a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian concerns.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected the idea of a ceasefire unless Hamas releases their hostages.
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen has stated that there is a limited timeframe of two to three weeks before intense international pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza commences. Cohen informed journalists that a handful of countries have discreetly encouraged Israel to work towards achieving a ceasefire.
