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Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
The Permanent Palestinian Representative to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Ambassador Tamer Almassri, has welcomed the bloc’s show of solidarity with his countrymen following the adoption of a communiqué at the 45th SADC Summit in Madagascar.
In the communiqué, SADC leaders expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, highlighting the heavy civilian death toll, widespread destruction of property and worsening humanitarian conditions.
Member states also reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of justice and human rights.
Ambassador Almassri, who is also the Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, said the regional body’s position had sent a clear and powerful signal of support.
“We welcome the unequivocal support for the Palestinian people expressed in the communiqué from the 45th SADC Summit,” he said.
“It sends a powerful message to the Palestinian people that we are not alone and that other nations still care deeply about our plight. This affirmation strengthens our resolve.”
He said Palestinians would remain resolute in their struggle, which he described as resistance against occupation and forced displacement.
“The Palestinian people remain steadfast in their struggle against the Israeli occupation, genocide and forced displacement. We will continue to fight for our rights and our ancestral land,” said Amb Almassri.
According to health authorities in Gaza, at least 62 004 people — mostly women and children — have been killed since October 2023.
More than 13 000 others are still believed to be trapped under rubble.
In the past 24 hours alone, 27 people were killed and 281 injured while trying to access humanitarian aid, bringing the total number of such deaths to 1 965 and injuries to 14 701.
Hospitals also reported five famine-related deaths during the same period, including two children, pushing the overall death toll from hunger and malnutrition to 263, among them 112 children.
Ambassador Almassri said the position taken by SADC leaders would be remembered as an important gesture of solidarity during one of the darkest chapters in the Palestinian struggle.
Online Reporter