By Lovemore Chazingwa
The worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, inflicted by Israel, has drawn strong condemnation from experts and international voices, who are calling for immediate action from world leaders and global institutions.
The Embassy of the State of Palestine in Zimbabwe, led by the outspoken Ambassador Dr. Tamer Almassri, has been unwavering in its denunciation of Israel’s actions. In a strongly worded statement, Dr. Almassri condemned Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid and completely close all border crossings into Gaza.
“The Embassy of the State of Palestine in Zimbabwe strongly condemns the Israeli government’s reprehensible actions to halt the entry of vital humanitarian aid and completely close all border crossings leading to the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his extremist cabinet’s decision to block water, food, and electricity constitutes a blatant act of collective punishment and a crime against humanity.”
The embassy emphasized that Israel’s blockade is a clear violation of international law and must be urgently addressed.
“The illegal Israeli blockade on Gaza violates international law and warrants immediate accountability under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The Israeli government’s actions are a stark reminder that it is, in fact, Israel that poses a significant threat to peace and stability in the region. The world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to these atrocities, and it is imperative that the international community takes immediate and decisive action to end Israel’s ongoing crimes and violations in occupied Palestine, as well as the ongoing genocide in Gaza.”
Dr. Almassri called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to intervene, urging world leaders to take a firm stand against Israel’s actions.
“The world must not stand idly by as Israel perpetrates these atrocities against the civilian population of Gaza.”
The U.S. Position and Global Response
Dr. Gideon Chitanga, a Research Associate at Wits University’s Centre for the Study of the United States, provided further analysis of the situation, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.
“At the moment, it’s very difficult. The United States has sent mixed signals regarding the Gaza situation. U.S. President Donald Trump openly stated that he preferred the U.S. to take over Gaza, develop it, and relocate its people. This view reflects a broader alignment between the Trump administration and Netanyahu’s government. I doubt Netanyahu would act outside what is acceptable to Washington.”
Dr. Chitanga also noted that while the European Union (EU) has attempted diplomatic engagement by providing humanitarian aid, its efforts are constrained.
“The EU continues to emphasize the need for Gaza’s residents to have access to food, water, electricity, medical supplies, and reconstruction aid. Meanwhile, Arab states can also unite in calling for humanitarian access by engaging both Tel Aviv and Washington.”
However, he acknowledged that the war in Ukraine and tensions between Russia, the EU, and the U.S. have diverted global attention from the crisis in Gaza.
“Unfortunately, the international community is preoccupied with other global crises, which have overshadowed the urgency of the humanitarian disaster in Gaza.”
Call for Accountability and Ceasefire
The State of Palestine reiterated its long-standing demand for immediate international intervention.
“The international community has a moral obligation to act swiftly and decisively. Efforts must be urgently directed towards establishing a permanent ceasefire, ensuring the necessary conditions for recovery and reconstruction in Gaza. Israel must be held accountable for its violations of international law and crimes against humanity.”
The continued blockade of Gaza, the statement added, highlights Israel’s blatant disregard for human life and its willingness to inflict suffering on an entire population.
Weaponization of Aid and Political Motivations
Dr. Chitanga also addressed Israel’s strategic use of deprivation as a tool of war.
“This is nothing new; it follows a pattern of weaponizing food, medical aid, and other essential resources needed by the people of Gaza. Israel is effectively waging war by other means, using humanitarian deprivation to achieve what it could not through military force or diplomatic negotiations, particularly in discussions held in Egypt.”
Political analyst Tatenda Chakanyuka added that the recent Egyptian actions—presumably restricting aid to Gaza—also violate the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, which mandates the humanitarian protection of civilians during conflict.
“At this point, the international community has failed the people of Gaza. Stronger action should be taken, either by the United Nations Security Council or regional organizations. The UN, in particular, should have taken a firmer stance against Israel’s recent actions.”
He pointed to global politics as a significant barrier to holding Israel accountable.
“World leaders have struggled to formulate a strong resolution against Israel due to geopolitical interests. However, the recent meeting of Arab leaders to find a solution for Gaza should serve as a foundation for diplomatic efforts.”
Path to a Lasting Solution
Chakanyuka stressed that urgent diplomatic action is needed to prevent further loss of life.
“Going forward, world leaders must take a unified position and bring all parties to the negotiating table. The longer this conflict drags on, the more lives will be lost. The question of Palestine must be addressed comprehensively, with sovereignty at the center of discussions.”
He backed recent Arab-led initiatives, calling them a potential starting point for resolution, despite Israeli opposition.
“Israel may resist, but these initiatives must stand as the foundation for future negotiations. The parties involved must come together to find a lasting solution to end the war in Palestine.”
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, experts, diplomats, and analysts continue to sound the alarm, urging the global community to take decisive action. Whether world leaders will heed these calls remains to be seen.
