Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Tamer Almassri
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Gaza Strip is currently facing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, with a severe health deterioration.
The situation is dire, with hospitals overwhelmed by an influx of patients, receiving over 500 cases daily, including approximately 200 suffering from acute respiratory illnesses with severe symptoms.
Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Tamer Almassri said the lack of equipment to diagnose these diseases has led to a rapid spread, further exacerbating the crisis.
It is said the Palestinian Health Ministry is struggling to cope with the situation, as Israel continues to impose a total blockade on essential services and goods.
“This blockade has severely hindered the ability of medical professionals to provide adequate care, pushing the medical system to the verge of total collapse.
“The consequences of this blockade are devastating, with nearly 1.9 million people in the Gaza Strip living without adequate shelter due to the ongoing Israeli war.
“The Israeli warplanes have continued to launch airstrikes on central and southern Gaza, violating the ceasefire agreement that went into effect on October 11.
“This blatant disregard for international agreements has resulted in a significant increase in fatalities and injuries,” said Dr Almassri.
He added that the death toll from the Israeli aggression has risen to 71,550 Palestinians, with 171,365 reported wounded, since the beginning of the conflict on October 7, 2023.
“Furthermore, since the ceasefire came into effect, the number of fatalities has increased to 465, with 1,287 injuries, while 713 bodies have been recovered from beneath the rubble.”
Ambassador Almassri reiterated that the Israeli government’s continued blockade, airstrikes, displacement of people, and aggression towards the Palestinian people, is a clear violation of human rights and international law as it demonstrates Israel’s clear intent to destroy the Palestinian people. He added that the international community must take immediate action to address this crisis, including lifting the blockade and providing essential aid to those affected.
