Government Urges Belizeans to March for Peace in Palestine

The government is urging Belizeans to march for peace in Palestine. Next week, a group of everyday Belizeans, former leaders, and government ministers will join forces to march the streets of Belize City in support of the Palestinian people and peace in the Gaza Strip. Countries across the globe and various entities have mobilized in hopes of sending a message of peace. Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay says that the event will send a message that Belize is against the atrocities that have taken place in Palestine. 

Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs:“I would encourage Belizeans who are concerned about what is happening in Gaza to join the walk. I would encourage Belizeans to come out and peacefully show their support for the Palestinian people who are suffering an incredible amount of bombing, lack of food, lack of water, lack of medical supplies, lack of electricity. What is happening there is the worst form of genocide we have seen since the genocide in Rwanda in my opinion and Belizeans should show how they feel about it so that the world can see that we are on the right side of this issue as a people.”

Reporter:  Is the government pleased that the majority of Belizeans seem to be on the side of Palestine?
Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs:“I think the majority of Belizeans are on the right side of most issues. The issue between Israel and Palestine is very complicated. It is important to remember that Israel occupies Palestinian lands. It is important to understand, for example, in the Gaza those people are in an open-air prison. They cannot leave as they wish. They cannot enter as they wish. The amount of food, water, etc. that goes into Gaza is strictly controlled by the Israelis. They have a right to self-determination and they have never been allowed to exercise that right. They have a right to have their own land, their own state. They have not been allowed to have their own state and we think that what is happening out there is all a symptom and as a result of the very, very I would describe it as harsh and particularly evil way in which the Israelis have imposed their measures on Gaza and the West Bank. And quite frankly, as I said to the American ambassador this morning, it is not only time for peace, but it is time for the new state of Palestine to be recognized and for it to have its own government and people and to live freely in peace.”