THE Caribbean Community (Caricom) on Monday condemned the flare up of violence in the Middle East, saying it “abhors the attacks in Israel and the counter-attacks in the Palestinian territory of Gaza”.

In a statement issued three days into the fighting, as the death toll among Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza reached approximately 1,600, Caricom said “the savage nature of the attacks and counter-attacks are the antithesis of civilised life and living. Innocent lives are being lost amidst the fervour and violence of the actual combatants”.

Caricom said it “joins the responsible members of the international community in calling for an immediate ceasefire and end of hostilities by all parties”, adding that “the recent round of hostilities reflects the pain and suffering of ancient quarrels.

“The ongoing harsh conditions under which the Palestinians live in veritable colonialism and Israel’s sense of insecurity will contribute to a cycle of violence until those realities are definitively addressed,” said Caricom.

“Accordingly, Caricom continues to support the United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 and the ongoing efforts of the United Nations towards a two-state solution as the best way to achieve comprehensive peace, security and tranquility between Israel and Palestine,” the regional body added.

According to international reports, more than 900 people, including 73 soldiers, have already been killed in Israel, and more than 680 people in Gaza, which Israel said includes hundreds of Hamas fighters.

Hamas militants in Gaza, meanwhile, said they were holding more than 130 Israeli soldiers and civilians hostage and threatened to kill them if retaliatory Israeli air strikes continue “targeting” Gaza residents without warning.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen has warned Hamas against harming any of the hostages, saying, “This war crime will not be forgiven.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed a former military commander to manage the hostage and missing persons crisis.

On Monday, United States President Joe Biden said that 11 Americans are dead and others are likely being held hostage by Hamas.

As fears grew that the conflict could turn into a regional conflagration, the White House said there was no intention to put US boots on the ground but warned Iran and other actors not to get involved.

Biden and the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Britain meanwhile pledged their support for their ally Israel to defend itself.