Ambassador Tamer Almassri
By George Swarei
Harare, Zimbabwe — Dr. Tamer Almassri, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Zimbabwe, has strongly condemned the actions of Israeli occupation forces in Gaza, accusing them of targeting civil defense units and obstructing emergency services amid a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis. He highlighted the devastating consequences of these actions, which have crippled emergency response capabilities and intensified civilian suffering.
Dr. Almassri detailed how Israeli forces have attacked civil defense units, resulting in the deaths of 85 personnel, injuries to 301 others, and the detention of 20 individuals. The destruction of stockpiles valued at $1.3 million has rendered these units incapable of performing critical humanitarian duties in northern Gaza. Emergency crews are reportedly unable to access casualties trapped under rubble or scattered on roads, exacerbating the dire situation.
The ambassador also described four massacres committed by Israeli forces in the past 24 hours, which left 76 Palestinians dead and 158 others injured. He stated that since October 2023, the death toll from Israeli attacks has risen to 43,922, with over 12,000 individuals still buried under rubble. More than 103,000 have been injured, with women and children constituting the majority of victims.
Calling for urgent international action, Dr. Almassri stressed the need for severe sanctions on Israel, including targeting its leaders, settlement advocates, and extremist factions. He urged the international community to enforce binding rulings by the International Court of Justice to ensure access to humanitarian aid in Gaza and the West Bank and to bring an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestine.
Reports from global media have echoed the ambassador’s concerns, detailing the destruction of healthcare and emergency services in Gaza and describing the situation as a calculated strategy to undermine Palestinian resilience. Eyewitness accounts have highlighted the targeting of densely populated neighborhoods, leaving many civilians trapped or forced to flee. Human rights organizations have called for decisive action, warning that the ongoing violence constitutes severe violations of international law.
Dr. Almassri emphasized that the actions of the Israeli occupation are deliberate attempts to erase Palestinian identity and rights. “It is imperative for the world to act decisively to stop this aggression and pave the way for a future rooted in justice and accountability,” he stated.
As the crisis deepens and civilian casualties mount, the call for global intervention grows louder. The ambassador’s appeal underscores the urgent need for justice, accountability, and a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict.
