In a landmark decision, the Cabinet of The Bahamas has formally recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, reinforcing the nation’s unwavering commitment to the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.
Commitment to self-determination
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that this move exemplifies The Bahamas’ dedication to the principles of self-determination enshrined in both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
As a nation that gained independence in 1973 through the exercise of self-determination, The Bahamas firmly supports the right of the Palestinian people to determine their political status and pursue economic, social, and cultural development.
Support for a two-state solution
The Bahamas’ decision also aligns with the two-state solution endorsed by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 (1967), which advocates for a peaceful and acceptable resolution to the Middle East conflict.
This declaration aligns with the wider consensus among the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members.
The Bahamas has become the final of 14 independent members of CARICOM to recognize Palestine as a State.
Support from other Caribbean countries
Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago are among the nations in the Caribbean, that have recently recognized Palestinian statehood, marking a shift towards stronger support for Palestine and signaling an end to Israeli influence in the region.
Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, three small Caribbean island nations in North America, have maintained close diplomatic ties with Israel since the 1960s.
However, in their recent recognition of Palestine as a state, all three countries expressed their support for the two-state solution to resolve the longstanding conflict.
Palestinian Ministry welcomes Caribbean support
Reports from PressTV noted that the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed the decisions of Barbados and Jamaica to recognize the State of Palestine.
The ministry further emphasized that this recognition aligns with Palestinians’ right to self-determination and adheres to the principles of international law.
A vital independent state
The ministry reiterated that an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem (al-Quds) as its capital is vital, endorsing Barbados’ decision to acknowledge Palestinian statehood.
However, it criticized the Israeli regime for “systematically destroying” the two-state solution by accelerating policies such as its ongoing war on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in over 34,600 Palestinian deaths, and the expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, considered illegal by the UN.
