The government has hit back at the Opposition in relation to claims that Jamaica failed to demonstrate solidarity with Palestinians during key moments at the United Nations General Assembly.

The meeting was held in the United States last week.

Yesterday, Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Donna Scott-Mottley said Jamaica was absent from the vote on whether Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas should be allowed to address the Assembly remotely after being denied a U.S. visa.

She also said Jamaica failed to join other nations in walking out during the address of Israel’s Prime Minister, in protest against that country’s ongoing actions in Gaza.

In a response statement last evening, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson-Smith said it is disappointing but not surprising that the Opposition has continued its trend of disingenuous approaches to foreign policy issues.

Mrs. Johnson-Smith stated that Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness addressed the General Assembly in relation to issues affecting the Middle East, including Palestine.

She said Dr. Holness also indicated that Jamaica, once again, condemns the heinous October 7th, 2023 attack on Israel.

Mrs. Johnson-Smith pointed out that these elements of Jamaica’s national policy statement at the UN were consistent with previous statements made by the government and which she herself has made.