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Ivan Zhakata Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe has consoled Palestine Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri following the killing of his mother in Khan Younis city, in the Gaza Strip, in an attack by Israeli forces.
Ambassador Almassri’s mother was killed on December 6.
Israeli forces have been targeting women and children in their bombardment of Palestine.
Statistics show that over 70 percent of the 18 000 people killed by Israeli forces are women and children.
In a letter to Ambassador Almassri, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Ambassador Frederick Shava, said it was with a profound sense of shock and sadness that he received the news of the death of the Ambassador’s mother in a cowardly Israeli attack.
“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and on my behalf, I extend to you, and through you to the entire Almassri family, our deepest condolences on this untimely loss,” he said.
“May Allah grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give your family strength and courage. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.
“This tragic event is a stark reminder of the indiscriminate attacks being perpetrated against innocent and defenceless civilians by the Israeli forces.”
Ambassador Shava said Zimbabwe remained in solidarity with the people of Palestine in their struggle for independence.
“May your family take solace in the fact that Zimbabwe and other nations remain solidly behind the people of Palestine in their just struggle for an independent State,” he said.
“No amount of shedding of innocent blood should deter us from pursuing this just struggle to its logical conclusion. May her dear soul rest in eternal peace.”
Yesterday, Zanu PF Women’s League also sent condolences to the Almassri family.
“The Zanu PF Women’s League Secretary Cde Mabel Chinomona, the Deputy Secretary Cde Judith Ncube and the entire Women’s League express our deepest condolences to His Excellency Tamer Almassri, Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, on the loss of his mother.
“We are deeply pained at how innocent lives are being lost and how women and children have had to bear the brunt of the devastating effects of Israel’s war on Palestine.
“This suffering should end. We call for peace to prevail. May her dear soul rest in God’s eternal glory,” reads the statement in part.
Zanu PF last week condemned the killing of Ambassador Almassri’s mother in the ongoing bombardment of Palestinians by Israeli forces.
Israel invaded Palestine in early October and has been bombing residential areas, schools and hospitals, which are usually seen as safe places.
In a statement, Zanu PF Secretary General Dr Obert Mpofu said the ruling party “strongly denounces the ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing being committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip”.
“The indiscriminate targeting of innocent civilians, including women, children, the hospitalised, the disabled and the elderly, is a gross violation of human rights and international law.
“The loss of innocent lives and the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and vital services is unacceptable,” said Dr Mpofu in his recent statement.
To date, over 1,9 million people in the Gaza Strip have been displaced, over 18 000 killed while in excess of 49 000 people have been seriously injured.
Online Reporter