Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
AMBASSADOR of the State of Palestine to Zimbabwe, Dr Tamer Almassri, has condemned the cold-blooded massacre in Rafah, where over 50 Palestinian civilians were killed while attempting to collect humanitarian aid.
In a statement, Ambassador Almassri said the attack by Israeli forces on a designated aid distribution point represents a calculated act of violence and a clear violation of international law.
“Palestinians, following official instructions to collect desperately needed food, were met with live ammunition and shrapnel. This constitutes a mass atrocity and a blatant disregard for human life,” he said.
The attack, which occurred in Rafah-already one of the most devastated areas in the Gaza Strip-has drawn sharp criticism from international humanitarian groups and human rights observers.
But for Ambassador Almassri, it is a chilling escalation of what he termed a new and barbaric Israeli technique.
“Ambushing starving civilians at aid distribution centres is an act of cruelty that defies all moral and legal standards. These are not stray bullets, this is strategy. This is a war crime,” he said.
Since the war began in October 2023, over 54 418 Palestinians have been killed, according to Palestinian health authorities.
The majority of the victims are reported to be women and children. More than 124 000 have been injured and thousands remain trapped under collapsed buildings with little access to emergency services amid relentless aerial bombardments.
Ambassador Almassri also took aim at the global community, accusing nations with influence of moral complicity through inaction.
“Israel has no true friends. For if it did, those friends would be standing up to stop these crimes. Justice may be delayed, but it will not be denied,” he said.
The diplomat appealed to the international community, including Zimbabwe, to speak out, demand accountability and take urgent steps to stop what he called systematic massacres of a besieged population.
“The world cannot remain indifferent. The deliberate targeting of civilians and the obstruction of humanitarian aid are crimes against humanity. The time to act is now. Every minute the world remains silent, another life is lost. The people of Palestine are not asking for pity – they are demanding justice.”
Bongani Ndlovu