Online Reporter
Herald Correspondent
THE storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem by Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir and groups of settlers, has been condemned by Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri.
In a statement yesterday, Ambassador Almassri said the raid, carried out under the protection of Israeli security forces, was a flagrant violation of international law and a direct assault on the historical and legal status of one of the world’s most sensitive religious sites.
“This is not an isolated incident,” he said.
“It is part of a series of deliberate provocations of Muslims and Christians around the world by Israel, which have escalated tensions in the region to a breaking point.”
Ambassador Almassri accused Israel of systematically targeting religious groups, citing attacks on Christians and called for the annexation of Palestinian land.
The plan to annex land has intensified hostilities and pushed the region on the brink of a regional war.
Ambassador Almassri also decried the humanitarian situation in Gaza and described it as catastrophic.
He said over 60 000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, while 12 000 remain buried under rubble presumed dead, and an average of 28 children are killed daily.
As a result of the Israeli blockade, about 190 people had died of starvation in Gaza as of yesterday.
“The ongoing bombardment and starvation in Gaza, lasting over 660 days, is nothing short of senseless slaughter,” he said.
“The international community cannot continue to turn a blind eye to these atrocities. Urgent action must be taken to end the suffering of the Palestinian people,” said Ambassador Almassri.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, revered by Muslims and known to Jews as the Temple Mount, has long been a focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Confrontations at the site have previously triggered widespread violence, including the year 2000 visit by then-opposition leader Ariel Sharon of Israel, which sparked the Second Intifada – a five-year uprising that left thousands dead.
In recent years, tensions have flared during Jewish holidays, with Palestinian worshippers often clashing with Israeli police over access to the compound.
Mr Ben-Gvir’s previous visits, before and after joining government, have drawn condemnation from Palestinians and international bodies, who said such actions undermine the fragile peace in the area.
Ambassador Almassri urged the international community to condemn the actions in the strongest possible terms and take concrete steps to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law.
He said continued silence would only embolden further aggression.
