Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri
By George Swarei
Harare, Zimbabwe – The Ambassador of the State of Palestine, Dr. Tamer Almassri, has expressed deep gratitude to the government of Zimbabwe, led by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, for voting in favour of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) draft resolution on September 18, 2024. The resolution calls for an end to Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territories and demands reparations for damages caused by the occupation.
In a statement following Zimbabwe’s support of the resolution, Dr. Almassri highlighted the importance of Zimbabwe’s vote, saying, “This principled position of solidarity by the government of Zimbabwe renews the hopes of our Palestinian people who are facing a comprehensive aggression and genocide in Gaza and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.” He added that Zimbabwe’s stance aligns with the aspirations of the Palestinian people for freedom, independence, and the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
The resolution, which was adopted by the UNGA, calls for Israel to end its occupation without delay and within a year, signalling a renewed international focus on the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It also urges reparations to be made to Palestinians for the damages suffered during the occupation. This vote is seen as a significant step in the global effort to bring justice to the Palestinian people.
Dr. Almassri further urged the international community to swiftly implement the resolution to ensure the end of the occupation and the settlement of Palestinian territories. “The international community must act with urgency. We call on all countries that did not support this resolution to reconsider their positions and join the right side of history,” he said.
Zimbabwe has long been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, maintaining a firm stance on the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. The latest vote reaffirms the country’s commitment to justice and equality on the international stage.
As the world watches the ongoing tensions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, the Palestinian people look toward the implementation of this resolution as a crucial step toward peace and statehood. Dr. Almassri’s statement reflects the growing hopes within Palestine that, with the support of countries like Zimbabwe, lasting peace and justice might finally be achieved.
The resolution’s passing underscores the deep divisions within the international community on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with several countries choosing not to support the motion. However, Zimbabwe’s vote is seen as a stand for human rights and international law.
The Palestinian ambassador’s call to action invites other nations to take a similar stance, urging them to reconsider their positions and align themselves with the growing international movement in support of Palestinian statehood and the end of the Israeli occupation.