Belize suspends diplomatic ties with Israel, appeals for ‘immediate ceasefire’

In response to Israel's refusal to implement a ceasefire in Gaza, the Belize government has decided to sever diplomatic ties with the Jewish state, joining other Western Hemisphere nations that are incensed about the Israeli government's conduct during the conflict.According to a CNN report, citing a statement, Belize government condemned the actions of the IDF in Gaza and renewed calls for immediate ceasefire"The Government of Belize has repeatedly condemned the actions of the IDF in Gaza. We have appealed to Israel to implement an immediate ceasefire and to allow unimpeded access to humanitarian supplies into Gaza. Despite our requests, Israel has not stopped its violations of international humanitarian law nor allowed relief workers to alleviate the suffering of millions of Gazans," the Belize government said in a statement.“Belize renews its call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unimpeded access to humanitarian supplies into Gaza and the release of all hostages,” added the statement.The Central American nation has also withdrawn its accreditation for Israel’s ambassador there, and suspended its own diplomatic activities in Tel Aviv.Belize has followed a number of its neighbours in the region, such as Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia, in cutting diplomatic ties or recalling their ambassadors to Israel. In recent weeks, a number of nations in the Middle East and Africa, including South Africa, Jordan, and Turkey, have also called back their ambassadors.Following Hamas’ terror attacks in Israel on 7 October, Israel declared war on the terror outfitthat controls Gaza, and launched a "complete siege" of the enclave .An estimated 1,200 people were killed in Hamas’ attacks, and 240 taken hostage, most of whom remain captive in Gaza.Since then, Israeli attacks have killed at least 11,180 Palestinians – including 4,609 children and 3,100 women – according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah, which draws on medical sources in Gaza.With inputs from agencies