By Hon. E. P. Chet Greene
The recent announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas offers a profound, collective sigh of relief for a world wearied by images of unspeakable suffering. This hard won pause, secured through the relentless diplomacy of the United States with crucial support from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, is a testament to what is possible when the international community channels its efforts toward peace. We in Antigua and Barbuda welcome this development, echoing the urgent calls from the UN Secretary-General and numerous nations for this halt to be sustainable and for humanitarian aid to flow without restriction.
However, a ceasefire is not a solution; it is a critical window of opportunity. To view it as anything less would be a betrayal of the innocent lives lost and the millions displaced. This moment must be seized to address not just the symptoms of this conflict but its root cause.
From the outset of this recent escalation, Antigua and Barbuda’s position has been consistent and rooted in the fundamental principles of international law and human dignity. We were unequivocal in our condemnation of the initial, brutal attacks by Hamas on October 7th. The targeting of Israeli civilians and the taking of hostages were indefensible acts of terror that rightly elicited global outrage and our firm denunciation.
As the Israeli military response unfolded, we were equally steadfast and principled in our denouncement of its disproportionate and devastating use of force. The widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza, the staggering death toll among women and children and the collapse of essential services created a humanitarian cataclysm. Our call for a cessation of hostilities was not an endorsement of one side over the other, rather a plea for humanity, a demand that the laws of war be respected and that the cycle of violence be broken.
This ceasefire, therefore, is a validation of the path of diplomacy we and so many others have advocated. Admittedly, it is perilously fragile. This pause must now be transformed into tangible progress.
It must lead to the full and unfettered delivery of humanitarian relief to a traumatized population, the restoration of water, electricity, medical services and the immediate release of all hostages and detainees. Crucially, it must be accompanied by the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied Palestinian territory, including Gaza. These are not merely political demands; they are the necessary prerequisites for restoring any semblance of durable security and stability.
I salute the global community; from the street protests of world capitals to the halls of the United Nations for the marches and voices of powerful global solidarity with the Palestinian people. This global chorus of non violent protests has been instrumental in pushing for this moment. Even now our vigilance must not waver. We must now channel this solidarity into unwavering political will.
The ultimate goal remains clear and has for decades: a credible political path toward a just and comprehensive peace. This fragile opening must be used to forge that path, which can only be built on the foundation of the two-state solution. The establishment of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state, living side-by-side with Israel in peace and security, is the only formula that can guarantee the legitimate aspirations and security of both peoples.
Antigua and Barbuda, as a small nation that cherishes its own sovereignty and the rule of law, will continue to work within the international community to support these steps. We encourage all nations of conscience to follow through on their expressions of support. The time for equivocation is over. The world must now act with courage and conviction to ensure this ceasefire is not merely an intermission but the first, irreversible step toward the long denied birth of a Palestinian state.
