Ambassador Tamer Almassri
By George Swarei
The Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Zimbabwe, Dr. Tamer Almassri, has condemned an Israeli airstrike on a tent camp in Gaza’s al-Mawasi region, which reportedly killed at least 21 people and injured over 80 others. The victims, according to Palestinian accounts, were predominantly women and children. The airstrikes hit tents that were sheltering more than 14 families in what had been designated as a “safe zone,” igniting large fires that caused extensive casualties.
Dr. Almassri described the incident as a breach of international law, asserting that the use of F-16 fighter jets supplied by some foreign governments demonstrates complicity in what he characterized as war crimes. He called for accountability and highlighted the need for urgent international intervention to address the escalating humanitarian crisis.
The situation in Gaza has worsened as Israeli forces intensified their assault on Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza. Residents have reportedly been forced to flee under heavy bombardment, which Dr. Almassri described as part of an ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing.
“These crimes are a flagrant violation of the rules of international law, especially the Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949,” Dr. Almassri said. He also criticized Israel’s apparent disregard for a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which called on Israel to cease its military operations in Rafah, stating that such actions violate obligations under the Genocide Convention.
The ambassador urged the international community to act decisively, calling for:
- The immediate cessation of Israeli military operations in Gaza.
- Enforcement of compliance with international humanitarian law.
- Accountability for individuals responsible for violations against civilians.
The ongoing conflict, which escalated in October 2023, has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. Palestinian sources report that at least 44,532 people have been killed, with over 105,538 injured. Additionally, approximately 10,000 individuals remain unaccounted for, presumed buried under the rubble of destroyed buildings across Gaza.
Dr. Almassri emphasized the human cost of the conflict, stating, “This is not just a tragedy for Palestine but a challenge to the global community’s commitment to justice and humanity.” He called for urgent international solidarity to address the crisis and protect civilians caught in the crossfire.
As the conflict continues, the ambassador’s remarks underscore the broader calls for a diplomatic resolution to end the violence and ensure compliance with international legal frameworks.
