daglous masveta
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri has denounced what he described as “brutal Israeli aggression” against Palestinians in the West Bank.
In a statement, Ambassador Almassri said the Israeli military intensified measures, including the installation of 898 checkpoints, 16 of which are newly added iron gates, effectively paralysing Palestinian movement and fragmenting communities.
“This is a systematic denial of Palestinian rights”, said Ambassador Almassri, adding that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions were designed to shore up his faltering coalition government.
“These measures are part of a deliberate attempt to impose apartheid, crush Palestinian resilience, and distract the international community from Israel’s recent crimes in Gaza.”
The Ambassador pointed to the escalation of violence in Jenin, where Israeli forces reportedly carried out heavy military strikes using drones and airpower, leading to the tragic deaths of 10 Palestinians, 40 injuries and the destruction of infrastructure, including roads surrounding Ibn Sina Hospital.
“The international community cannot remain silent in the face of these atrocities,” Ambassador Almassri said.
He described the actions as collective punishment that flouts international law.
“We call for immediate and effective sanctions on Israel to deter further aggression and to hold it accountable for its crimes against humanity.”
He also reiterated Palestine’s steadfast commitment to achieving self-determination and an independent state, with Jerusalem as its capital.
“The Palestinian people will never relinquish their inalienable rights,” the Ambassador declared.
The plea for global intervention comes amid growing international scrutiny of Israeli policies in the occupied territories. Human rights groups have echoed similar concerns, labelling the checkpoints and iron gates as tools to enforce apartheid conditions on Palestinians.
As tension continues to rise, the Palestinian leadership is urging the international community to take decisive action to end the suffering and ensure justice for the Palestinian people.
daniel chigunwe
