Staff Writer
HARARE — Palestine’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Tamer Almassri, has strongly condemned the continued Israeli bombardment of hospitals in the Gaza Strip, particularly the attack on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, which reportedly killed 12 people and injured several others.
Almassri described the attacks as a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, which guarantee protection for civilians, medical facilities, healthcare workers and media personnel during armed conflicts.
In a statement, the ambassador said the bombing of hospitals had resulted in the deaths and injuries of civilians, medical personnel and media workers, further worsening the humanitarian situation in the besieged Palestinian territory.
He called on the international community, the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations to take immediate and effective action to stop what he described as crimes committed by the Israeli occupation.
“The State of Palestine calls on the international community, the UN Security Council, and the United Nations to take immediate and effective action to halt the occupation’s crimes,” Almassri said.
He urged the international community to adopt deterrent measures to guarantee the protection of civilians and medical facilities and ensure that those responsible are held accountable before international justice.
The ambassador warned that continued international silence was allowing further violations to take place.
“The continued international silence encourages the occupation to persist in its violations and crimes,” he said.
Almassri also condemned the continued closure of border crossings and restrictions preventing essential humanitarian assistance from reaching Gaza.
He said the blocking of medical supplies, tents and food was worsening the suffering of Palestinians, particularly during the winter season.
“The continued closure of border crossings and the prevention of medical supplies, tents and food from reaching residents further worsens their suffering, particularly during the winter,” he said.
The ambassador called for urgent measures to facilitate humanitarian access and ensure that affected communities receive essential supplies, medical assistance and shelter.
On the prospects for lasting peace in the Middle East, Almassri maintained that regional security and stability could only be achieved through an end to the Israeli occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
“The security, peace and stability in the region can only be achieved by ending the Israeli occupation of the State of Palestine and realising the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions,” he said.
The ambassador reiterated Palestine’s call for international intervention, accountability and protection of civilians amid the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.