By Regis Chingawo
Palestinian Ambassador in Zimbabwe , Tamer Almassri has condemned the continued Israeli military operations in the Hebron Governorate in the occupied West Bank, reporting that approximately 3,000 Palestinians have been displaced amid intensified raids, movement restrictions and a total lockdown.
Ambassador Almassri said the operations had entered their fourth consecutive day, characterised by the deployment of military reinforcements, widespread closures, the seizure of Palestinian vehicles, assaults on civilians and the forced displacement of residents.
He accused Israel of extending to Hebron a campaign of ethnic cleansing similar to what he said had taken place in Gaza.
“These measures have caused a severe deterioration in humanitarian and living conditions, restricting residents’ movement, disrupting livelihoods, and placing an unbearable burden on displaced and affected families,” Ambassador Almassri said.
He further described the demolitions, mass displacement and collective punishment of Palestinians as flagrant violations of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.
The ambassador also condemned what he described as ongoing Israeli violations against Hebron’s religious sites, particularly the continued closure of the Ibrahimi Mosque, also known as the Sanctuary of Abraham.
He said the closure and restrictions on worshippers’ access to the mosque constituted an assault on freedom of worship and the sanctity of holy places.
The Ibrahimi Mosque is a significant religious site in Hebron, revered by Muslims and Jews, and has long been at the centre of tensions surrounding access, worship and control of the historic site.
Ambassador Almassri called on the international community and the United Nations Security Council to take immediate and effective measures to address the situation in Hebron.
“The State of Palestine calls on the international community and the United Nations Security Council to take immediate and effective action to halt the aggression against Hebron, prevent the forcible displacement of its residents, ensure accountability for the crimes committed by the occupying power, and provide urgent international protection for the Palestinian people,” he said.
The appeal comes amid continuing concerns over civilian protection, displacement and access to essential services in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The reported displacement of thousands of residents, coupled with movement restrictions and the closure of religious sites, has heightened concerns about the humanitarian consequences of the operations in Hebron.
Ambassador Almassri urged the international community to intervene to prevent further displacement, protect civilians and ensure accountability for alleged violations of international law.