Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Israel has significantly intensified its airstrikes on Gaza, leading to a surge in Palestinian casualties and exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
In the past ten days, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of over 1 042 Palestinians, including 322 children, according to Palestinian officials.
The escalated bombardment, characterised by its intensity and broad targeting, has been condemned by the State of Palestine as “indiscriminate” and a “blatant war crime.”
In a statement, Dr Tamer Almassri, the Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, denounced the attacks as an appalling violation of human rights.
“Israel’s continued bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza are acts of collective punishment,” Ambassador Almassri said.
“The world cannot remain silent as an entire population faces annihilation.”
The intensified airstrikes have compounded the effects of a stringent Israeli blockade imposed on March 2, which has severely restricted access to essential supplies.
The blockade has resulted in the shutdown of all bakeries in Gaza, including 25 operated by the World Food Programme (WFP), marking the longest and most severe blockade since the conflict began.
“This is not just a humanitarian crisis, it is a crime against humanity,” Ambassador Almassri said.
“By preventing essential supplies from reaching Gaza, Israel is pushing millions of innocent civilians to the brink of famine.”
Reports indicate that Israeli forces have also intensified their targeting of healthcare workers and first responders.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has documented numerous instances of paramedics being killed or going missing amidst the intensified airstrikes.
“The deliberate targeting of medical personnel and health facilities is an egregious violation of international humanitarian law,” Ambassador Almassri said.
“The destruction of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure is a deliberate act aimed at ensuring the suffering of the wounded and sick.”
Beyond Gaza, Israeli military operations have also intensified in the West Bank, specifically in Tulkarm, Jenin, and the Nur Shams refugee camp.
Ambassador Almassri also accused Israeli forces of systematically demolishing homes, establishing military checkpoints and seizing properties for use as sniper positions.
“The destruction of nearly 1 000 homes and the forced displacement of Palestinian families are clear acts of ethnic cleansing,” he said.
“Israel’s military aggression has turned the West Bank into an open-air prison.”
The State of Palestine has urgently called upon the international community to take decisive action to halt Israel’s intensified military operations. They warn that continued inaction will embolden further atrocities.
“The silence of the world in the face of these war crimes is not just complicity, it is an endorsement of genocide,” Ambassador Almassri said.
“We demand immediate accountability, an end to the occupation, and the recognition of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa