Dr Tamer Almassri, The State of Palestine Ambassador to Zimbabwe
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Real sanctions should be applied to Israel and not Zimbabwe, as the former is violating international law by killing thousands of innocent civilians in Gaza, the State of Palestine Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Tamer Almassri has said.
Dr Almassri said this as he gave his solidarity message to Zimbabwe as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) commemorates the Anti-Sanctions Day.
“And let us say it loud and clear: the real sanctions should be applied to Israel, not Zimbabwe.
“The real sanctions should be applied to those who violate international law, not those who are struggling to survive under occupation.
“We will continue to stand with the people of Zimbabwe, and we will continue to resist the occupation of our land until freedom, justice, and equality are achieved for all,” said Dr Almassri.
He added: “the Palestinian people have a deep understanding of the devastating impact of illegal sanctions, having faced illegal occupation, apartheid and genocide policies for close to a century under Israeli occupation.
“As we commemorate this SADC Anti-Sanctions Day, let us stand in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe.
“Let us stand in solidarity with all those who struggle against occupation, oppression, and injustice. “Let us demand that the international community take a strong stance against sanctions, against occupation, and against the violation of international law.”
He added that true adherence to international law requires sanctions to be applied against States that are clear violators, such as the apartheid State of Israel.
“For over seven decades, Israel has occupied the Holy Land of Palestine, committing genocide in Gaza and the West Bank, and is currently pushing the region toward the precipice of a comprehensive regional war.
“This catastrophic trajectory is a direct consequence of the international community’s failure to uphold its laws and values by consistently refusing to halt Israeli aggression in Gaza.
“The prevailing double standards within the international community only serve to embolden Israel to escalate its atrocities against the Palestinian people.”
Dr Almassri said Palestine greatly appreciates the solidarity and support from the government and people of Zimbabwe under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, adding that they stand in solidarity with the country against all forms of illegal sanctions and external interference.
“We wish you every success in the attainment of Vision 2030, a vision that promises a secure, prosperous, and empowered upper-middle-income society.
“Your success is a success for the entire continent and a victory for the principles of sovereignty and justice that we both hold dear.”
Dr Almassri added that since October 2023, over 77,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in Gaza.
“The more than 200,000 tonnes of bombs dropped on Gaza are equivalent to over 13 times the destructive force of the Hiroshima bomb.
“Furthermore, over 275 journalists have been killed—the highest number of journalist casualties recorded since 1945.
“The State of Palestine stresses the urgent need for the UN Security Council to take immediate action to curb Israeli aggression and hold its leadership accountable for war crimes.
“In an environment where UN Security Council resolutions are not being implemented, coercive measures should be taken against Israel,” he added.
