The Government of Belize is gravely concerned by the escalating violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, over the last months, which have resulted in loss of life on both sides and triggered a wave of further settler reprisals against neighbouring Palestinian communities.
According to United Nations reporting, 2026 has already seen the highest levels of settler violence in the West Bank since such monitoring began, with thousands of Palestinians displaced this year alone as a result of attacks, demolitions, and evictions. Belize condemns these attacks in the strongest terms and extends its condolences to all civilian victims and their families.
As the occupying Power, Israel bears primary responsibility under international humanitarian law to ensure the protection of the Palestinian population, including from violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers, and to investigate and hold accountable all those responsible. Belize calls on the Government of Israel to take immediate and effective measures to prevent further settler violence, to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, and to refrain from any actions that collectively punish Palestinian civilian populations.
Belize reaffirms its position that the Israeli occupation of and settlements in Palestinian territory are unlawful and must end, consistent with the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice of July 2024. Belize further reaffirms its support for the New York Declaration and for a just and lasting peace in which a sovereign and viable State of Palestine exists alongside Israel in peace and security.
Belize calls on the international community to take concrete and coordinated action to protect Palestinian civilians and to ensure accountability for violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and reaffirms its own commitment to continue raising these concerns within the United Nations system.
Belize stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and reiterates its call for the protection of all civilians, in Israel and in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and for a resolution of the conflict grounded in international law, justice, and mutual security.
Ends
Foreign Ministry Communications
Belmopan, 18 August 2026