FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Kingston, JAMAICA]:   The people of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean welcome with profound, if guarded, relief the return of the Israeli hostages from Gaza. This celebration of life is a testament to Israel’s unbreakable commitment to its citizens. This is a moment of necessary joy following immense tragedy and a step toward peace.

We demand the immediate and dignified return of the bodies of all remaining hostages, an essential part of the current ceasefire agreement. Furthermore, we call for the complete and unconditional adherence by Hamas to all terms of the ceasefire, insisting that the cessation of hostilities must be permanent. The path to honest peacemaking must not, and cannot, reward terror.

However, we must address the heavy and grievous price paid for this exchange: the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including those serving multiple life sentences for the premeditated murder of Israeli citizens, such as:

•          Hilmi Abdul Karim Muhammad Hammash, who coordinated the 2004 suicide bombing of a Jerusalem bus, killing 11 Israelis and wounding 50.

•          Azziz Rom, who participated in the brutal 2000 Ramallah lynching as well as the 2001 kidnapping and murder of 18-year-old Yuri Guschin.

•          Morad Bader Adbullah Adais, who in 2016 stabbed to death Dafna Meir, a mother of six, in front of her teenage daughter at the entrance to their home.

The reality of releasing such murderers—who have publicly promised to commit such acts again—makes the prospect of lasting peace tenuous, if not unlikely. History has shown the cost of this tactic, most notably with the release of Yahya Sinwar, the eventual mastermind of the horrific October 7, 2023, massacre.

While we believe the peaceful resolution of conflict is always a worthy objective, we must hold the tension of this tragic reality. Israel must remain safe and secure within borders. Terrorism and Islamism must never be rewarded with legitimacy or territory.

The Government of Jamaica is recognized for its principled diplomacy, including the commendable decision not to participate in the walkout during the address of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the recent United Nations General Assembly. This action affirms our nation’s commitment to open dialogue, even amidst global controversy.

Jamaica and Israel share a deep, decades-long bilateral relationship. Israel is our ally, and we stand in courageous and principled support of a noble people who have suffered greatly. Our thoughts are with all victims of terror, including the families of the 1,152 brave IDF soldiers who have fallen in defense of their nation and in the efforts to rescue the hostages.

We look forward to better days, and to strengthening our enduring friendship with the nation and people of Israel through expanded cooperation in key areas like agriculture, technology, culture, tourism, and security.

Signed:

LOVE MARCH MOVEMENT

JAMAICA COALITION FOR A HEALTHY SOCIETY

JAMAICA FOR ISRAEL

UNDERSTANDING ISRAEL FOUNDATION

BARBADOS PEACE COLLECTIVE

 Contact:          Dr Daniel Thomas:      (876) 889-3888   

                           Dr Wayne West:          (876) 372-7304– 
The Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society (JCHS)

www.jchs.org.jm
[email protected]

9 Cecelio Avenue
Kingston 10

(876) 779-6219