Palestine Ambassador to Zimbabwe Tamer Almassri
By Wallace Mawire
The State of Palestine and its people have extended its heartfelt solidarity with the Republic of Zimbabwe as SADC commemorates Anti-Sanctions Day.
According to Palestine Ambassador to Zimbabwe Tamer Almassri, 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.
He said true adherence to international law requires sanctions to be applied against states that are clear violators, such as the apartheid state of Israel. He said 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.
He said the 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. He said the prevailing double standards within the international community only serve to embolden Israel to escalate its atrocities against the Palestinian people.
The Ambassador said since October 2023, over 77,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in Gaza. He said 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, the Ambassador said over 275 journalists have been killed,the highest number of journalist casualties recorded since 1945.
The State of Palestine has stressed the urgent need for the UN Security Council to take immediate action to curb Israeli aggression and hold its leadership accountable for war crimes. The Ambassador said in an environment where UN Security Council resolutions are not being implemented, coercive measures should be taken against Israel.
He said As Zimbabwe commemorates the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day, they 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,” Ambassador Almassri said.
He urged supporters to say it loud and clear that the real sanctions should be applied to Israel, not Zimbabwe. He said the real sanctions should be applied to those who violate international law, not those who are struggling to survive under occupation. The Ambassador said they will continue to stand with the people of Zimbabwe will continue to resist the occupation of their land until freedom, justice, and equality are achieved for all.
Palestine said it greatly appreciates the solidarity and support from the government and people of Zimbabwe under the Leadership of HE. Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa. He said they stand in solidarity with the Government of President Mnangagwa 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,” the Ambassador said.