By George Swarei
Ambassador Tamer Almassri
Harare, Zimbabwe – The Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Zimbabwe, Tamer Almassri, has issued a strong condemnation of the United States’ veto at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which for the fourth time blocked a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that the veto has emboldened Israel to intensify its attacks on Palestinian civilians, resulting in widespread loss of life and destruction.
In the latest escalation, Israeli occupation forces carried out a massacre in northern Gaza, targeting a residential block near Kamal Adwan Hospital. Over 70 civilians, primarily women and children, lost their lives in the airstrikes. Ambassador Almassri described the attack as a blatant violation of international law and human rights, calling for urgent international action.
“The repeated use of the veto by the United States not only shields Israel from accountability but also emboldens it to continue its crimes against innocent civilians,” Ambassador Almassri stated. He highlighted that this defiance of international norms disregards UN resolutions and the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has demanded an end to the Israeli occupation, withdrawal from Gaza, and cessation of hostilities.
The Palestinian envoy called on the Security Council to act decisively in protecting the Palestinian people and upholding international peace and security. He stressed the need for the full application of international law to Israel, criticizing the obstruction of justice by what he termed “one colonial power.”
Ambassador Almassri’s remarks come amidst alarming statistics revealing the catastrophic impact of the conflict on Palestinian civilians. According to reports, since October 2023, the death toll in Gaza has risen to 44,043, with an additional 12,000 individuals still trapped under rubble. Injuries have surpassed 104,898, with the majority of victims being women and children.
As the international community commemorates World Children’s Day, the grim reality in Palestine underscores the vulnerability of Palestinian children in the face of ongoing violence. Since the aggression on Gaza began in 2023, over 13,319 children have been killed in Gaza and 167 in the West Bank. Additionally, the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society (PPS) has reported the detention of 770 children by Israeli forces in the West Bank, with 100 currently held in administrative detention without trial.
“The systematic targeting of children, women, and civilians highlights the urgent need for the international community to intervene and hold Israel accountable for its actions,” Ambassador Almassri said. He called on world leaders to remember their commitment to protect children and uphold their rights.
The ambassador reiterated Palestine’s unwavering commitment to seek justice for its people through international mechanisms. He urged global leaders and human rights organizations to pressure Israel to comply with international laws and to bring an end to the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and the West Bank.
“This is not just a Palestinian tragedy; it is a test of the international community’s resolve to stand for justice, human dignity, and the rule of law,” Ambassador Almassri concluded.
The Palestinian cause continues to resonate globally, with growing calls for an end to the violence and a lasting resolution to the decades-long conflict. However, as vetoes at the UNSC stall progress, the plight of the Palestinian people grows increasingly dire.
