And the Sarstoon Protocol would help to calm tensions in the river that Belize and Guatemala share as the two countries navigate the waters of the ICJ case.
But another ICJ case that Belize is monitoring is South Africa's genocide case against Israel. The ICJ ruled that Israel should take steps to prevent the killing of civilians, and to implement punishment for those inciting genocide, among other measures.
In a statement written by a group we'll call "the Fantastic Five" - namely two former prime ministers and three former foreign ministers, Dean Barrow, Said Musa, Assad Shoman, Eamon Courtenay and Godfrey Smith - they urged Belize's government to join South Africa's substantive case. Today, the new Foreign Minister, Francis Fonseca, said for now, they'll just keep monitoring.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade
"We have discussed it. You know Belize, let's be very clear. Belize has taken unprecedented steps. Belize has been a leader in CARICOM in standing up in support of the people of Gaza as you all know, we have suspended relations with Israel, diplomatic relations with Israel. Belize has been very bold, very clear, very principled in its position, but we have not made any further decisions or participation at the ICJ and the South African case it's something we are monitoring. We are watching along with CARICOM. We find that it is very often the best To do these things, to take steps, and to take action in coordination with our CARICOM brothers and sisters. That we believe is the most effective approach so we are monitoring the case but of course we continue to make it very clear that Belize views what is taking place in Gaza as a humanitarian crisis we repeat our call for an immediate ceasefire release of hostages it's a very very difficult situation we see the images every day on our television sets innocent people are being killed so there has to be an immediate cease-fire so that we can have a peaceful resolution to what has taken place."
"In terms of the case, there are specific legal implications that flow from that case, and Belize is monitoring that case. We are watching it very carefully, but no one should question Belize's bold principle position that we have taken on this issue. Belize is a leader on this issue and that should not be questioned."
