The Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Zimbabwe, H.E. Tamer Almassri, has strongly criticised Israel over what he described as continued breaches of ceasefire agreements in the Gaza Strip, accusing Israeli forces of sustaining military operations that continue to claim civilian lives despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Ambassador Almassri also expressed concern over what he said was an intensification of Israeli operations in the occupied West Bank, citing increased home demolitions, settlement expansion, and attacks by settlers against Palestinian communities.
He argued that the developments in both Gaza and the West Bank demonstrate that Israel is not committed to achieving a lasting peace, but is instead pursuing policies aimed at deepening its occupation of Palestinian territories.
According to figures released by the State of Palestine, the conflict has resulted in 73,231 confirmed deaths in Gaza since October 2023, with women and children accounting for a significant proportion of those killed. The statement further said that 173,686 people have been injured during the same period.
The ambassador added that the reported casualty figures are likely to rise, as many people are believed to remain trapped beneath collapsed buildings in areas that emergency and rescue teams have been unable to reach because of continued bombardment and restricted access.
The State of Palestine has called on the international community, the United Nations, and global human rights organisations to take stronger action by ensuring accountability under international law and working towards an immediate, unconditional, and permanent end to the conflict.
