Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
PALESTINIAN Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Tamer Almassri, has condemned acts of religious desecration and persecution of Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land and said the developments threaten freedom of worship.
In a statement, Amb Almassri said footage circulating online showing an Israeli soldier destroying a statue of Jesus Christ in Lebanon has shocked the international community.
“This act is not an isolated incident of vandalism; it is a visceral manifestation of institutionalised hatred,” he said.
Amb Almassri said the incident reflected a broader pattern of restrictions and violations affecting worshippers in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.
He cited recent events during Holy Saturday and Orthodox Easter and said Israeli security forces blocked and arrested Palestinian Christians attempting to access the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The ambassador also criticised Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir following his visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and described it as part of efforts to assert control over Muslim and Christian holy sites.
“These actions are not merely occasional violations of the Status Quo, but a deliberate and systematic attempt to impose new rules that would subject Muslim and Christian worship to full control,” he said.
Amb Almassri said the situation posed a threat to religious freedoms in the region, accusing Israel of pursuing policies characterised by persecution, discrimination and violence.
He also expressed gratitude to Zimbabwean churches for their solidarity, singling out Archbishop Andby Makururu for his continued support.
