Palestinian diplomat calls for global solidarity amidst ongoing conflict

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n a powerful address at an event hosted by the Caribbean Against Apartheid in Palestine (CAAP), Palestinian Ambassador Linda Sobeh Ali rejected the framing of the Palestinian struggle as a religious conflict, instead describing it as a fight for “land, freedom, and justice”.

The event marked the establishment of diplomatic ties between Barbados and Palestine and celebrated Ali’s appointment as Palestine’s first envoy to Bridgetown.

Ambassador Ali emphasised the shared identity and struggle of Palestinians, despite attempts to divide them by region or politics. She highlighted the suffering and violence Palestinians have endured for over 500 days, stressing the unity of those in Gaza and the West Bank. Ali called for international support, particularly from the Caribbean, to establish programmes that would help connect and empower Palestinian youth.

The gathering focused on solidarity for victims of genocide and injustice. Dr Saudah Mohamad, who officiated the event, emphasised the importance of Sumud (resilience) and Amal (hope), positioning the Palestinian struggle as emblematic of oppressed peoples worldwide resisting colonial powers.

Notable attendees included Ambassador to CARICOM David Commisiong, Cuban ambassador Yanet Stable Cardenas, Martha Ortega Peraza, the Venezuelan envoy, David Denny, general secretary of the Caribbean Movement for Peace and Integration, cultural ambassador Anthony ‘Mighty Gabby’ Carter,  poet Winston Farrell and Lalu Hanuman, the secretary of the Caribbean Against Apartheid in Palestine.

The event featured poetry, a song by Al Falah Primary School girls, and a presentation on the “Muslims of CARICOM” book by Shabir Nakhuda. 

(SM)