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Volcano-stricken Caribbean island demands end to Israel’s aggression 

May 17, 2021 at 12:17 pm

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ flag on July 27, 2012 [Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images]

The government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has issued a communique calling on Israel to end its aggression against the Palestinians.

Dated on Friday the statement urged Israel “to cease its most recent military campaign against the State of Palestine”

In particular, the Caribbean island explicitly condemned Israel’s attacks against Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem and Gaza.

“Most recently, Israeli forces have attempted to remove Palestinians from Al-Haram Al-Sharif and Silwan neighbourhoods; conducted airstrikes on Gaza, and launched weaponised attacks on Palestinians worshipping at Al-Aqsa Mosque – all of which we strongly condemn.”

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The government also expressed its condolences to the families of the hundreds of innocent Palestinians killed so far and reiterated its solidarity with the State of Palestine. Condolences were also conveyed to the families of several people killed in Israel.

Using its position as an elected member of the UN Security Council, the government maintained its commitment to the UN Resolution of 22 November 2017, deeming Israel’s actions to impose its laws, jurisdiction, and administration on the Holy City of Jerusalem as illegal.

“We also welcome the diplomatic efforts of other States and parties to end this deadly siege, but more must be done”, the statement added.

“The Security Council must stand by its previous resolutions, uphold international law, the Fourth Geneva Convention and the UN Charter.”

Last month the island of Saint Vincent was affected by the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano, blanketing the island including its capital Kingstown in a layer of ash and causing thousands to flee their homes. It was the 4,000-ft volcano’s first major eruption since 1979. It has been estimated that as much as 50 per cent of the nation’s GDP could be lost as a result of the damage sustained, most of which has been concentrated on the country’s agriculture sector.

Extremist Israel settlers continue incitement against Palestinians in Jerusalem - Cartoon [Sabaaneh/MiddleEastMonitor]

Extremist Israel settlers continue incitement against Palestinians in Jerusalem – Cartoon [Sabaaneh/MiddleEastMonitor]