Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Tamer Almassri
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
It has been reported that 322 children are amongst 1 042 Palestinians killed in intensified Israel airstrikes on Gaza in the last 10 days.
Embassy of the State of Palestine has described the latest airstrikes as appalling and outrageous.
In a statement, Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Tamer Almassri, said this “egregious violation of international humanitarian law is a stark reminder of Israel’s blatant disregard for human life and its continued perpetration of war crimes against the Palestinian people.”
He added that the Israeli occupation forces have also expanded their ground assault on Gaza, taking extensive territory while displacing thousands of Palestinians in north Gaza.
“The blockade imposed by Israel on March 2 has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with no food, water, fuel, or medicine entering the Strip.
“This has pushed Gaza to the brink of famine, making it one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history.
“All bakeries in Gaza, including 25 run by the World Food Programme (WFP), have shut down as Israel’s blockade on the Strip continues for the 31st day, marking the longest siege since the war began.
“The State of Palestine holds Israel fully responsible for the devastating consequences of its actions, which are being exacerbated by the hour,” said Ambassador Almassri.
He added that Israel’s 18-month genocidal war on Palestinian civilians has reduced much of Gaza to rubble, leveling homes, hospitals, and schools.
And he also condemned the killing and disappearance of Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) paramedics and other first responders in Gaza, as a grave violation of international humanitarian law and a stark example of Israel’s deliberate targeting of health workers and facilities.
“The State of Palestine demands prompt and independent investigations into these grave violations of international humanitarian law and calls for those responsible to be held fully accountable.
“The international community cannot remain silent in the face of such atrocities, which are a blatant attempt to wipe out critical healthcare in Gaza.
“Under International Humanitarian Law, health workers must be protected at all times, and their targeting is a war crime.
“Furthermore, the Israeli occupation forces have continued their aggression on the city of Tulkarm and its camp for the 66th consecutive day, Jenin for 72nd day and on the Nur Shams camp for the 53rd day.
“The occupation forces have set up military checkpoints throughout the camps and West Bank, restricting the movement of citizens and seizing homes, which are then converted into military barracks and sniper positions,” he said.
It was added that 996 homes were destructed, while 2 573 were partially destructed in the Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps.
Ambassador Almassri added that they are dismayed by the silence of the international community in the face of these atrocities.
“This silence and lack of action have emboldened Israel to continue its crimes, behaving as if it is above international law. “The failure to stop and hold Israel accountable for its crimes is a shame to the international world order and undermines the principles of justice, equality, and human dignity.
“The international community must take immediate action to protect the Palestinian people and to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international humanitarian law. “The State of Palestine demands an end to Israel’s occupation, blockade, and aggression, and calls for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” he added.
