FOREIGN Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith has again rejected claims that Jamaica has been silent on the war in Gaza, insisting the country recognised Palestine last year and has consistently supported calls for peace.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, Johnson Smith dismissed suggestions that Jamaica had failed to show solidarity with the Palestinian people. She reminded that in 2024 Jamaica formally recognised the State of Palestine, in line with United Nations Resolution 242, which calls for a two-State solution.

“Jamaica has never been in hiding on this issue. We have condemned actions on both sides, called for a ceasefire, and remain firm in our belief that dialogue and engagement, rather than performance, are the most constructive tools of diplomacy,” she said.

Her comments came in response to criticism from the People’s National Party (PNP), whose spokesperson on foreign, regional and diaspora affairs Senator Donna Scott Mottley on Tuesday argued that “Jamaica’s silence sends the wrong signal to the international community and to the Palestinian people who continue to suffer.”

Scott Mottley charged that the Government had not spoken forcefully enough on the conflict, particularly when compared with countries which took more visible actions at the United Nations, such as walking out during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address.

But Johnson Smith argued that such gestures may grab headlines but do little to advance meaningful solutions.

“Jamaica is not a chest-beating Administration. We are not ego-driven or image-based. Our focus is on solutions. So we called for the things which we believe are important, as we have continued to, and not being present would not have advanced or harmed a position in any way, so I cannot explain anymore beyond what I have already stated,” she told reporters.

“We’re not judging countries who choose to act in this way, we’re not criticising them, that’s their choice, but the reason Jamaica, or one of the reasons that Jamaica is always a respected voice, is because of our willingness to always engage,” she added.

Johnson Smith also pointed to the Caribbean Community’s (Caricom) collective position, noting that the regional bloc has issued repeated statements at various levels — from heads of government to foreign ministers — urging peace and advocating for the security of both Israelis and Palestinians.

She further underscored that Jamaica’s approach was consistent with its history of supporting international law and multilateralism.

“We have always backed Resolution 242, which outlines the framework for a two-state solution,” she said, adding that this remained the “safest path” to ensuring long-term security and peace for both peoples.

The minister cautioned against the spread of misinformation, stressing that public discourse on foreign policy must be grounded in facts.

“I encourage individuals who are passionate about these issues to look back at the consistency of our positions. If we are indeed to combat a global crisis of truth, then we must ensure we do not replicate the same issues at home,” she said.

Her reference to a “crisis of truth” echoed comments made last week by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley during her United Nations address, in which the regional leader warned of a growing global distrust in information and institutions.

Johnson Smith argued that Jamaicans should take those words seriously by ensuring their debates are informed and responsible.

She emphasised that Jamaica’s approach has been one of quiet but consistent diplomacy.

“We prefer to listen, to be at the table, to engage, whether we agree or disagree. That is how we maintain credibility as a nation and ensure that our voice carries weight in international affairs,” she said.