By Zachary Gava
Harare, (New Ziana) – Palestinian ambassador, Dr Tamer Almassri, on Friday condemned Israel’s continued attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza, and called on the international community to take decisive action to protect civilians and hold those responsible to account.
The condemnation follows the recent bombing of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, which reportedly left 12 people dead and several others injured, including civilians, medical personnel and media workers.
In a statement, Almassri described the attacks as a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, which guarantee protection for civilians, healthcare facilities and medical and media personnel during armed conflicts.
He said the continued targeting of hospitals demonstrated the urgent need for effective international intervention to stop the violence and safeguard civilian lives.
“The State of Palestine calls on the international community, the UN Security Council and the United Nations to take immediate and effective action to halt the occupation’s crimes, adopt deterrent measures to ensure international protection for civilians and medical facilities, and hold those responsible for these crimes accountable before international justice,” he said.
Ambassador Almassri stressed that those responsible for the attacks should not be allowed to escape accountability, warning that the continued failure of the international community to act was emboldening further violations.
“The continued international silence encourages the occupation to persist in its violations and crimes,” he said.
He also condemned the continued closure of border crossings into Gaza and restrictions preventing the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance, including medical supplies, tents and food, saying the situation was worsening the suffering of an already vulnerable population.
He expressed concern over the impact of the restrictions, particularly as residents endure harsh winter conditions without adequate shelter, food and essential medical supplies.
The situation, he said, underscores the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian access to ensure that life-saving assistance reaches those in need.
Ambassador Almassri reiterated Palestine’s position that lasting peace and stability in the Middle East cannot be achieved without ending the Israeli occupation and addressing the question of Palestinian statehood.
“The State of Palestine affirms that security, peace and stability in the region can only be achieved by ending the Israeli occupation of the State of Palestine and realizing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions,” he said.
His remarks come amid continued international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where attacks on civilian infrastructure and restrictions on humanitarian assistance have intensified calls for stronger measures to protect civilians and ensure accountability.
New Ziana
