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Columbus Mabika Herald Reporter
The Israeli bombing of the Christian al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City that killed over 500 Palestinians on Tuesday, has been condemned by all progressive nations as defying all international conventions on protection of civilians and medical services.
The bombing has been described as genocide by Palestine Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Tamer Almassri.
Palestinians trying to avoid the unrelenting bombardment by Israeli forces, together with those that were injured during the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza, are some of the people that were killed.
In the wake of the hospital attack, a summit scheduled for Amman, Jordan yesterday, between several Arab leaders and the United States to discuss the impasse between Israel and Palestine was cancelled.
The US and a number of European countries have been praising Israel for killing Palestinians under the guise of self-defence, yet the overwhelming majority of those killed an injured by the Israeli air force and army have been civilians.
About 3 500 people, including over 1 000 children, have been killed in the last few days with power, water, food and medical supplies cut off from the Gaza population.
Briefing the media in Harare yesterday on the state of affairs in Palestine, Ambassador Almassri denounced Israel for killing people seeking treatment of injuries inflicted by its security forces.
“The enemy is trying to destroy us; the victims of the al-Ahli Hospital bombing are civilians, women and children,” he said.
“They destroyed more than 50 000 homes and displaced millions of Palestinians from their homes and are now making our people leave Gaza Strip. The bombing of the hospital is barbaric.”
Ambassador Almassri said the mass killings at the hospital have caused international outrage and protests at Israeli embassies in several countries.
Protesters have been rallying Arab leaders and those around the world to vigorously oppose the onslaught in Gaza.
Ambassador Almassri added that apart from Israeli bombs, the people of Gaza are facing a humanitarian crisis as they are being deprived of water, food, fuel and electricity by the aggressor.
In a solidarity message, the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe (SCIAZ), which represents the Muslims of Zimbabwe, said the conflict has caused immense suffering in Palestine.
“The Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe strongly condemns the ongoing massacre of innocent Palestinians by the Israel regime.
“We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people during this critical time and express our deepest concerns over the escalating violence and loss of innocent lives,” said SCIAZ president, Sheikh Ishmail Duwa, in a statement yesterday.
“The recent events in Palestine have caused immense suffering and grief for the Palestinian population. The indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas including homes, schools, and hospitals, are not only a violation of international law, but also a grave violation of human rights.
“The loss of innocent lives, including women, children, and the elderly, is deeply distressing and unacceptable.”
Sheikh Duwa said Muslims are bound by faith to speak out against oppression and injustice, adding that the teachings of Islam emphasise the sanctity of human life and the importance of upholding justice and equality.
He concurred with Ambassador Almassri in calling upon the international community to take immediate action to put an end to the violence and killings.
Sheikh Duwa also said there was need to hold the Israeli regime accountable for its actions.
“The Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe urges the United Nations and other international organisations to intervene and ensure the protection of the Palestinian people.
“We demand a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, based on the principles of international law, relevant UN resolutions, and the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of an independent State.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Palestinian people, and we stand in solidarity with them during these challenging times.”
Sheikh Duwa also called upon “all people of conscience to raise their voices and support the Palestinian cause in the pursuit of justice, peace, and freedom”.
“May Allah bring an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people and grant them strength and patience. We pray for a just and lasting peace in Palestine,” he said.
Online Reporter