The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has issued an urgent call for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, as recent military confrontations between the two nations raise alarming risks of a wider regional conflict.
In a statement, CARICOM’s Council of Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) voiced “grave concern” over the escalating violence, including Israel’s “disproportionate response” in Gaza following a Hamas attack as well as the new dimension of direct Israeli-Iranian clashes.
“These developments not only exacerbate the already tense situation but also pose significant threats to regional stability and international peace,” COFCOR warned. The spiralling cycle of retaliation has turned the situation “untenable” with the potential to trigger greater regional turmoil.
CARICOM emphasized that the tragic human toll, including deaths and injuries to children, “demands an immediate and empathetic response from the global community” to prevent further suffering and instability.
As such, COFCOR urgently called for an immediate halt to hostilities between Israel and Iran. “We strongly urge both nations to halt any further military actions that could worsen the situation, endangering not only their own populations but also the broader international community,” the statement read.
The organization also urged the five permanent veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council to work diligently toward an immediate ceasefire while ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need and fostering conditions for lasting peace.
Crucially, COFCOR calls for all involved parties to “re-engage in diplomatic dialogue, prioritizing peaceful resolutions and cooperation over military actions.”
Reaffirming its principles of justice and peace, CARICOM stated it “stands ready to support efforts toward de-escalation and the establishment of a durable peace in the region.”
The statement concluded with a plea: “We implore all parties to consider the severe consequences of further conflict and to commit to diplomatic solutions that ensure the safety, sovereignty, and dignity of all people involved.”
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated dangerously after Iran launched a barrage of over 300 missiles and drones targeting Israel over the weekend. The massive strike represents Iran’s first direct attack on its regional rival from Iranian soil.
According to Israeli officials, the bulk of the Iranian weapons were successfully intercepted by Israel’s air defences in coordination with the United States and other allies. However, a few Iranian ballistic missiles managed to penetrate the multi-layered defences, severely injuring a 7-year-old Israeli girl and causing some damage to a military base in southern Israel.
The Iranian attack was stated to be retaliation for an airstrike earlier this month on Iran’s consulate in Damascus, Syria which killed seven Iranian military officials including two generals. Israel has not officially confirmed its role.