Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
PALESTINIAN Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri has condemned the ongoing loss of children’s lives in his motherland and said the conflict continues to devastate families and cripple education systems despite global calls for peace.
In a statement marking Universal Children’s Day, Ambassador Almassri said Palestinian children remained the most affected demographic with figures showing extensive casualties and widespread destruction of learning facilities.
He said more than 19 000 students have been killed and 28 000 injured since the escalation of conflict in 2023.
“The ongoing genocide, which began in 2023 has claimed the lives of over 19 000 students and injured 28 000 leaving countless young minds traumatised and shattered,” said Amb Almassri.
He said hundreds of schools, kindergartens, nurseries and playgrounds in Gaza and the West Bank have been either completely or partially destroyed.
“These institutions, which are meant to be safe havens for learning and growth, have been reduced to rubble. The dreams and aspirations of an entire generation are being shattered.”
The ambassador said the damage has disrupted the education and upbringing of thousands of children and the long-term impact threatened the country’s future development.
He also condemned renewed Israeli attacks in Gaza and said they violated ceasefire agreements and have intensified civilian suffering.
“The recent Israeli attacks across Gaza have killed at least 19 Palestinians and injured dozens more in flagrant violation of ceasefire agreements,” he said.
“These assaults in residential areas show a blatant disregard for human life, especially as winter approaches for displaced families.”
According to the statement, 280 Palestinians have been killed and 672 injured since the ceasefire agreement was signed in October.
The cumulative death toll since October 2023 now stands at 69 513, most of them women and children.
Dr Almassri urged the international community to intervene.
“The international community must hold Israel accountable and ensure that those responsible for these atrocities are brought to justice,” he said.
The Universal Children’s Day, commemorated annually on November 20, highlights global commitments to protect children’s rights.
Dr Almassri said the observance underscores the urgent need for action to safeguard Palestinian children living under conflict.
