State of Palestine Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Tamer Almassri
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The State of Palestine has strongly condemned the recent approval by Israel to establish 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, a flagrant violation of international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
This move has been described by the State of Palestine Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Tamer Almassri as an egregious act which not only undermines the legitimacy of the international community but also perpetuates the suffering of the Palestinian people, who have been subjected to decades of occupation, dispossession, and current genocide.
“The international community has consistently reiterated its opposition to such policies. Yet, Israel persists in its pursuit of colonization, further entrenching the occupation and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region,” said Ambassador Almassri.
Ambassador Almassri further called upon the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities to protect the rights of the Palestinian people.
“Effective easures must be taken to halt Israel’s violations of international law, including the immediate cessation of settlement expansion and the removal of existing settlements.
“The international community must also work towards reviving the political process to achieve a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the Middle East.
“Furthermore, the Sate of Palestine is compelled to bring attention to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, where the situation has become increasingly dire.
“The recent storm and harsh weather conditions have resulted in the loss of 13 lives, with many more at risk due to the severe lack of shelter, medical care, and heating as a result of the Israeli genocidal war in Gaza.
“The residents of Gaza, particularly children and displaced individuals living in flimsy tents, are struggling to survive amidst the freezing cold and rainy weather,” said Ambassador Almassri.
He added: “the international community must take immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“We call for the large-scale unhindered entry of humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, shelter, and heating supplies, to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.”
