ST JAMES, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica wants to see the powers that be in the Middle East exercise responsibility and ensure an end to the senseless killing of innocent civilians in the region.

Addressing a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) meeting in St James South on Sunday, Holness said Jamaica wants to see peace prevail in the Middle East where thousands of people have died in the latest clashes between Israel and Hamas militants.

“My heart goes out to the people of the Middle East who are in conflict now. Some of you may be watching your televisions and you are seeing the senseless killing of innocent people, civilians. Jamaica wants to see peace and we want to see the human rights of all people respected. And those who have power, have a greater responsibility to ensure the people’s human rights are protected,” said Holness, who is also the leader of the JLP.

The prime minister’s comments came shortly after Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith issued a media release responding to criticisms of the Government over its failure to vote on a resolution calling for a humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas at the 10th United Nations (UN) Emergency Special Session last Friday.

“I appreciate the concerns raised by those who feel that Jamaica not having voted in the 10th UN Emergency Special Session last Friday, suggests a shift in our stance on international human rights. I assure you that this is not the case,” said Johnson Smith.

“The situation in the Middle East demands a unified global voice against human rights violations, while respecting states’ rights to self-defense within the parameters of international law,” her statement continued. “Jamaica, as the Chair of the Caricom Caucus of Ambassadors at the UN, was actively engaged in discussions concerning the Jordanian resolution and not only collaborated on the Caricom statement, but led its drafting.”

She added, “This statement was delivered by our Permanent Representative, Ambassador [Brian] Wallace, from the podium in the General Assembly during the debate on the issue, prior to the vote. I shared this statement on social media, hoping it would provide clarity on Jamaica’s position, given its clear alignment, and support of the Jordanian resolution.”

She said while a technical cross in communication led to Jamaica’s representative not voting, “Our statement on the UN General Assembly floor on behalf of all Caricom member states, unequivocally supports a peaceful resolution of the conflict, humanitarian aid for victims of war, and the release of hostages.

“Jamaica’s foreign policy unquestionably rests on robust principles and democratic values, which guide our stance in an increasingly dynamic and complex global landscape.”