Palestine Extends Solidarity Message To Zimbabwe As SADC Commemorates Anti Sunctions Day
By Desire Tshuma
Sadc Anti Sanctions Day is commemorated on 25 October since its adoption. In commemoration of this day The State of Palestine and its people have extended its heartfelt solidarity with the Republic of Zimbabwe.
The Palestinian people have a deep understanding of the devastating impact of illegal sanctions, having faced illegal occupation, apartheid and genocide policies for close to a century under Israeli occupation.
True adherence to international law requires sanctions to be applied against states that are clear violators, such as Israel. For over seven decades, Israel has occupied the Holy Land of Palestine, committing genocide in Gaza and the West Bank, and is currently pushing the region toward the precipice of a comprehensive regional war. This catastrophic trajectory is a direct consequence of the international community’s failure to uphold its laws and values by consistently refusing to halt Israeli aggression in Gaza. The prevailing double standards within the international community only serve to embolden Israel to escalate its atrocities against the Palestinian people.
Since October 2023, over 77,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in Gaza.
“More than 200,000 tonnes of bombs dropped on Gaza are equivalent to over 13 times the destructive force of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bomb. Furthermore, over 275 journalists have been killed—the highest number of journalist casualties recorded since 1945,” Ambassador Dr Tarmer Almassri said.
The State of Palestine stresses the urgent need for the UN Security Council to take immediate action to curb Israeli aggression and hold its leadership accountable for war crimes. In an environment where UN Security Council resolutions are not being implemented, coercive measures should be taken against Israel.
“As we commemorate this SADC Anti-Sanctions Day, let us stand in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe. Let us stand in solidarity with all those who struggle against occupation, oppression, and injustice. Let us demand that the international community take a strong stance against sanctions, against occupation, and against the violation of international law,” Ambassador Dr Almassri said.
He went further and said, “Let us say it loud and clear, the real sanctions should be applied to Israel, not Zimbabwe. The real sanctions should be applied to those who violate international law, not those who are struggling to survive under occupation.
“We will continue to stand with the people of Zimbabwe, and we will continue to resist the occupation of our land until freedom, justice, and equality are achieved for all,” sqid Ambassador Almassri.
Ambassador Almassri concluded by saying, Palestine greatly appreciates the solidarity and support from the government and people of Zimbabwe under the Leadership of HE. CDE Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“We stand in solidarity with the Government of President Mnangagwa against all forms of illegal sanctions and external interference. We wish you every success in the attainment of Vision 2030, a vision that promises a secure, prosperous, and empowered upper-middle-income society. Your success is a success for the entire continent and a victory for the principles of sovereignty and justice that we both hold dear.”
