The Palestinian Ambassador-designate to Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Linda Sobeh Ali, has expressed concern over what she describes as growing diplomatic engagement between Trinidad and Tobago and Israel, urging the Caribbean nation to remain committed to international humanitarian law and its longstanding support for the Palestinian cause.
Speaking during a virtual press conference, Dr. Ali said Palestinians are “alarmed” by Israel’s increasing diplomatic presence in the Caribbean. Her comments followed a recent meeting between Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Sean Sobers and Israel’s non-resident ambassador, which prompted questions about Trinidad and Tobago’s evolving relationship with Israel.
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Dr. Ali stressed that her remarks were not intended to interfere with Trinidad and Tobago’s sovereign foreign policy but to encourage continued support for the protection of Palestinian civilians and adherence to international law. She appealed to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her administration to continue advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the establishment of a two-state solution.
The ambassador also called on the Trinidad and Tobago government to maintain its support for accountability under international humanitarian law and to continue raising concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
Her comments come amid heightened public discussion over the government’s diplomatic engagement with Israeli officials. Minister Sobers has defended the recent meeting, stating that Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to its long-standing policy of maintaining diplomatic relations with both Israel and the State of Palestine while continuing to support a negotiated two-state solution.
Dr. Ali noted that she has already met with Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, President Christine Kangaloo, Minister Sobers and other government officials since presenting her diplomatic credentials. She said she remains confident that Trinidad and Tobago will continue to uphold its traditional support for Palestinian self-determination and international humanitarian principles.
Trinidad and Tobago formally established diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine in 2024 while maintaining diplomatic ties with Israel, reflecting the country’s longstanding policy of engaging with both sides.
The exchange highlights the growing international attention surrounding Middle East diplomacy and illustrates how developments in the region continue to influence political discussions and foreign policy across the Caribbean.
