Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
PALESTINE Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri has condemned Israel’s continued bombing of hospitals in Gaza and described the attacks as flagrant violations of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.
In a statement, Ambassador Almassri expressed outrage over the bombing of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, which resulted in the deaths of 12 people and injuries to several civilians, medical personnel and media workers.
“Ambassador of Palestine to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri strongly condemns Israel’s relentless and systematic bombing of the Palestinian hospitals in Gaza, especially at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, which resulted in the killing of 12 and injury of several civilians, medical personnel, and media workers, in a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, which guarantee protection for civilians, medical facilities and medical and media workers,” he said.
The envoy called on the international community, the United Nations and the UN Security Council to take immediate action to stop the attacks and ensure accountability.
“The State of Palestine calls on the international community, the UN Security Council, and the United Nations to take immediate and effective action to halt the occupation’s crimes, adopt deterrent measures to ensure international protection for civilians and medical facilities and hold those responsible for these crimes accountable before international justice, stressing that they must not be allowed to escape punishment,” he said.
Ambassador Almassri said the continued international silence was emboldening Israel to persist with violations and crimes against Palestinians.
“The continued international silence encourages the occupation to persist in its violations and crimes,” he said.
He also condemned the continued closure of border crossings and restrictions on humanitarian assistance and said the situation was worsening the suffering of Palestinians, particularly as winter approaches.
“Ambassador Almassri also condemns the continued closure of border crossings and the prevention of medical supplies, tents and food from reaching residents, further worsening their suffering, particularly during the winter,” he said.
The State of Palestine reiterated that lasting peace and stability in the region could only be achieved through an end to the Israeli occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State.
“The State of Palestine affirms that the security, peace and stability in the region can only be achieved by ending the Israeli occupation of the State of Palestine and realising the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions,” he said.
