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Ivan Zhakata, Herald Correspondent
Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Tamer Almassri, has condemned Israel’s ongoing military action in the Gaza Strip, which he described as a “systematic campaign of extermination” against the people.
In a statement yesterday, Ambassador Almassri said the international community must urgently act to stop Israel’s war crimes and ensure accountability for the suffering endured by civilians in Gaza.
For over 400 days, Gaza has been subjected to relentless violence, displacement and destruction.
More than two million Palestinians living in the coastal enclave are facing a dire humanitarian crisis, with widespread malnutrition, a lack of access to basic needs such as food, water, medical treatment and electricity, and the daily threat of death.
Ambassador Almassri said Israel was using starvation as a weapon of war.
“This is a war crime, and the collective punishment of an entire population is equally unlawful under international law,” he said.
The Ambassador also expressed grave concern about Israel’s strategy in Gaza, particularly the targeting of northern regions, which he said is aimed at “emptying” the area of its Palestinian population.
“Israel’s goal is clear,” he said. “It seeks to divide Gaza into isolated cantons to facilitate its control and occupation of Palestinian land.”
Ambassador Almassri said the international community’s failure to hold Israel accountable was a major factor enabling escalation of the conflict.
“The inaction of global powers, particularly the United States, and the United Nations’ failure to enforce its own resolutions have emboldened Israel’s fascist leadership to intensify its crimes against the Palestinian people,” he said.
The Palestinian diplomat urged the United Nations to take immediate and decisive action, including a Security Council resolution granting the State of Palestine full membership of the UN and implementing binding mechanisms to enforce international law.
He also called for sanctions on Israel, especially targeting its leaders and extremist factions that advocate settlements and further violence.
“The world must stand with Palestine,” Ambassador Almassri said. “It is time to hold Israel accountable for its actions and secure a future where justice prevails.”
His remarks come as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with little relief in sight.
The international community, according to Ambassador Almassri, has a moral responsibility to act swiftly to prevent further suffering and to support the Palestinian people’s right to live in peace and dignity.
Online Reporter