The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) says it is ‘gravely concerned ‘by the recent escalation in violence between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
And the regional body wants the violence to end.
“CARICOM joins the international community in calling for an immediate ceasefire and end to hostilities,” a community statement Wednesday said.
The statement observed that CARICOM continues to support the United Nations’ efforts towards a two-state solution as the best way forward.
The CARICOM statement came as the Israel-Gaza conflict entered its tenth day.
Rocket fire from Palestinian militants into Israel and Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have continued.
But US President Joe Biden has told Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu he expects a “significant de-escalation”.
The US is a staunch ally of Israel.
And Washington has so far opposed a joint UN Security Council statement on the conflict.
However, the Israeli media have quoted Netanyahu as saying that he is determined to carry on until Israeli citizens experience calm and security.
According to media reports, the Gaza fighting began after weeks of rising Israeli-Palestinian tension in occupied East Jerusalem.
There were clashes at a holy site revered by both Muslims and Jews.
Hamas, which controls Gaza, began firing rockets after warning Israel to withdraw from the site, triggering retaliatory airstrikes, according to the BBC.
Reports from Gaza indicate that at least 227 people, including more than 100 women and children, have died there so far.
In Israel, 12 people, including two children, have died.