Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Israeli forces have attacked health facilities and medical infrastructure in the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, destroying essential medical supplies and killing at least 19 civilians, Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri has said.
In a statement, Dr Almassri condemned the attacks and described them as a flagrant violation of international law, international humanitarian law and a ceasefire.
Ambassador Almassri said Israeli forces have targeted medicine warehouses attached to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah, destroying critical medical supplies needed to treat patients.
“By destroying these critical resources, the occupation has effectively turned medicine and illness itself into a weapon of war,” he said.
Ambassador Almassri said at least 18 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in 24 hours. He went on to describe the deaths as part of a persistent pattern of systemic aggression and a dangerous escalation across the territory.
He said thousands of Palestinians requiring emergency medical treatment outside Gaza continue to be denied permission to leave.
Ambassador Almassri said civilians in Gaza are enduring systematic deprivation of basic means of survival due to the continuing blockade and restrictions on the entry of food, water and medicine.
He said about 1,4 million Palestinians are facing acute food insecurity, while 74 000 children require urgent treatment for acute malnutrition.
Ambassador Almassri said since October 2023, the cumulative death toll in the Gaza Strip has reached at least 73 375 Palestinians, while 174 162 others have been injured.
He said thousands of victims remain trapped under rubble and could not be reached by rescue crews due to continued bombardment and a lack of equipment.
“The State of Palestine urgently calls upon the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities,” Ambassador Almassri said, adding that Israel needs to fulfil its obligations under international law and adhere to ceasefire agreements to protect Palestinian civilians and allow the rebuilding of Gaza.
Ambassador Almassri said failure to act immediately could encourage further violence and accelerate what he described as Israel’s annexation of Palestinian territory.
