By Maxwell Mapungwana
HARARE — Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri has condemned the ongoing Israeli military operations in Hebron Governorate in the occupied West Bank, calling on the international community and the United Nations Security Council to immediately protect Palestinian civilians and halt the violence.
In a statement, Ambassador Almassri said the Israeli aggression had conyinued, characterised by intensified military raids, the deployment of reinforcements, widespread closures, the seizure of Palestinian vehicles, assaults on civilians, forced displacement and a total lockdown.
As a result, about 3 000 Palestinians had been displaced from Hebron, warning that the developments reflected a pattern of forced displacement similar to the situation in the Gaza Strip.
“The continued aggression against Hebron is causing a severe deterioration in humanitarian and living conditions, restricting residents’ freedom of movement, disrupting livelihoods and placing an unbearable burden on displaced and affected families,” Almassri said.
The ambassador said the reported demolitions, mass displacement and collective punishment of Palestinians constituted serious violations of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.
He called for accountability for violations committed against Palestinian civilians, emphasising the need for urgent measures to prevent further displacement and safeguard the rights of affected communities.
Ambassador Almassri also expressed concern over continued Israeli violations against religious sites in Hebron, particularly the closure of the Ibrahimi Mosque, also known as the Sanctuary of Abraham, and restrictions preventing Muslim worshippers from accessing the holy site.
He said the restrictions amounted to an assault on freedom of worship and undermined the sanctity of religious places.
The Ibrahimi Mosque is a site of religious and historical significance, revered by Muslims and also associated with the biblical patriarch Abraham. Restrictions on access to the site have therefore raised concerns about the ability of worshippers to exercise their religious rights.
The ambassador urged the international community to move beyond expressions of concern and take concrete steps to address the deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territory.
“The State of Palestine calls on the international community and the United Nations Security Council to take immediate and effective action to halt the aggression against Hebron, prevent the forcible displacement of its residents, ensure accountability for the crimes committed by the occupying power, and provide urgent international protection for the Palestinian people,” he said.
The appeal comes amid longstanding international concern over the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory and the protection of civilians during military operations.
