Staff Writer
The State of Palestine Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Tamer Almassri has raised concern over the latest move by Israeli government to strip Hebron of its municipality authority.
In a statement, Dr Almassri said the decision made by Israeli government through its Finance minister is a violation of the 1997 Hebron Protocol and also threatens the existence of Ibrahimi Mosque, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“I reject any attempt to alter the legal, historical, and political status quo of Hebron, and strongly condemns the decision by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to strip the Hebron Municipality of its authority over parts of the city, including the Ibrahimi Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as endangered,”said Dr Almassri.
“The State of Palestine unequivocally reaffirms that Israel holds no sovereignty over Hebron or any Palestinian city. The Palestinian people’s bond with Hebron is grounded in historical rights, international law, and an indigenous presence spanning thousands of years. Israel’s violations of signed agreements, including the 1997 Hebron Protocol, do not create new facts on the ground, nor do they diminish Palestinian sovereignty in any form,” he said.
Ambassador Almassri further condemned the continued expansion of illegal Israeli settlements across the West Bank, as well as the ongoing campaign of settler violence against Palestinian civilians, acts he said are emboldened and encouraged by the extremist leadership within the Israeli government.
“Israel’s persistent violations of international law and its continued enjoyment of impunity will only deepen instability, fuel further escalation, and gravely undermine any prospects for a just and lasting peace in the region.”
Dr Almassri urged on the international community to hold Israeli government accountable and ensure that it upholds the international law.
“The State of Palestine calls upon the international community to uphold its obligations under international law, to hold Israel accountable, and to take immediate and concrete action to protect the Palestinian people, their land, and their heritage,”he said.