By George Swarei
Harare, Zimbabwe – The Ambassador of the State of Palestine, Dr. Tamer Almassri, has commended Zimbabwe’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people, as demonstrated at the recent Olympic Games. Zimbabwean athletes boycotted events featuring Israeli competitors and declined official interactions with the Israeli team, in a show of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Ambassador Almassri praised Zimbabwe’s principled position, saying it came at a critical time when “apartheid Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, resulting in the martyrdom of 45,000 Palestinians, mostly children and women.”
The Palestinian envoy expressed gratitude for Zimbabwe’s consistent support, emphasizing that such gestures strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. He reiterated the State of Palestine’s appreciation for Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian struggle for freedom and self-determination.
This development underscores Zimbabwe’s long-standing position in support of the Palestinian people, amidst growing international condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The move has sparked widespread debate, with some hailing it as a bold statement against Israeli aggression, while others criticize it as a politicization of sports.
The incident has brought attention to the escalating conflict in Gaza, with human rights organizations and world leaders calling for an immediate end to the violence. As tensions continue to rise, Zimbabwe’s stance has resonated with those advocating for Palestinian rights and statehood.