‎Harare, (New Ziana)— Palestinian permanent representative to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Tamer Almassri, has welcomed what he called a “powerful and principled” stance that member states took in support of his country during the 45th SADC Summit held at the weekend in Madagascar.
‎In a Communiqué at the end of the summit, SADC leaders expressed “grave concern” over the continued humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, where over 62 000 people, the majority women and children, have been killed in what Palestinian officials and several international organizations have described as a genocide by Israel.
‎”The statement from the summit held in Madagascar reflects a shared commitment among SADC member states to justice and human rights, a position that stands as a beacon of hope for Palestinians enduring an ongoing Israeli genocide for over 22 months. The SADC Communiqué highlights grave concern over the ongoing attacks on civilians in Palestine (Gaza) which have resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and worsening humanitarian conditions,” said Almassri.
‎He said the statement affirms the region’s longstanding commitment to justice, human rights, and international solidarity.
‎”This support from SADC sends a clear and moving message to the Palestinian people: we are not alone. In the face of unimaginable suffering, solidarity like this strengthens our resolve and reminds us that the world has not turned its back,” he said.
‎Almassri also reiterated the determination of the Palestinian people to continue their struggle against Israeli occupation and forced displacement, adding Palestinians will not abandon their fight for freedom and ancestral land despite the mounting human cost.
He said since the escalation of hostilities in October 2023, Palestinian health authorities in Gaza report that at least 62 004 people have died, with over 13 000 still buried under rubble.
‎”Just in the past 24 hours, 27 Palestinians were reportedly killed and 281 injured while attempting to access humanitarian aid. The total number of aid-seekers killed now stands at 1 965, with more than 14 700 injured,” he said.
‎Compounding the crisis, famine and malnutrition continue to claim lives with Gaza hospitals having recorded 5 additional deaths from starvation in the past day including 2 children, bringing the total to 263, with 112 of those being children, he said.
The position of ‎SADC contrasts with what many observers have called a muted or politically cautious response from other global powers particularly in the West, with the open condemnation and solidarity with the Palestinians expected to influence broader diplomatic discussions, particularly within the Global South.
‎Ambassador Almassri called on the international community to act with urgency.
‎”Every hour we delay is another hour of suffering, another child lost, another home destroyed. We need more than statements, we need action,” he said.
‎The SADC Communiqué has been hailed by human rights advocates as a rare and courageous stand in a global climate often dominated by geopolitical calculations rather than humanitarian concern.
New Ziana
