Scores of protesters marched in Half-Way-Tree, St. Andrew on Saturday, voicing support for Palestine and urging the Jamaican government to sever diplomatic ties with Israel.
This demonstration follows Israel’s extensive military assault on Hamas militants in Gaza, which began after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israeli communities last October.
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Israel’s retaliatory offensive has resulted in over 30,000 deaths in the Gaza Strip, predominantly women and children, sparking international outrage.
Protesters in Half-Way-Tree on Saturday carried placards and demanded the Jamaican government take a stronger stance in condemning what they term as “genocide” by Israeli forces.
“We are asking the government to stop using vague language and be specific,” said Christophe Simpson, Chairman and First Secretary of Jamaica Lands, the organizers of the protest. “They have not openly accused Israel of committing genocide, and that is what we want them to do—call it genocide, because it is genocide.”
Additionally, protesters demanded the government disclose all agreements with Israel and cut diplomatic ties.
Last month, the Government of Jamaica decided to recognize the State of Palestine, a move welcomed by the activists.
