Dr Tamer Almassri, the State of Palestine Ambassador to Zimbabwe
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The State of Palestine has condemned Israel’s attack and aggression against the Global Sumud Flotilla, in violation of international law and norms, including Convention on the Law of the Sea, other humanitarian principles, and the human rights of the participants on board.
In a statement, Dr Tamer Almassri, the State of Palestine Ambassador to Zimbabwe said they were “gravely concerned about the safety of the over 470 participants and holds Israel responsible for their security and wellbeing of as they deliver humanitarian aid to a besieged, starved, and bombed population under genocide.
“The State of Palestine recalls that the Global Sumud Flotilla is a peaceful and civilian led initiative aimed at breaking Israel’s inhumane and illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip and put an end to Israel’s starvation policy and genocide, in accordance with international law.
“The State of Palestine reiterates that Israel, whose occupation of Palestine was declared illegal by the International Court of Justice, has no authority nor sovereignty over Palestine’s territorial waters, as it extends from the Gaza Strip, and over international waters.
“The Global Sumud Flotilla has the right of free passage in international waters, and Israel must not interfere with its freedom of navigation, long recognised under international law,” said Dr Almassri.
He added: “the State of Palestine also reaffirm that the Global Sumud Flotilla equally is permitted to navigate Palestine’s territorial waters to deliver humanitarian aid.
“We commend the courageous participants and their determination to break Israel’s siege and end its genocide and call on the international community to extend them protection.”
