‎Harare,  (New Ziana)— The State of Palestine has extended its solidarity with Zimbabwe as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) commemorates Anti-Sanctions Day on Saturday.

In a statement to mark the occasion, Palestinian ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Tammar Almassri expressed deep empathy with the people of Zimbabwe, noting that Palestinians “have a profound understanding of the devastating impact of illegal sanctions,” having endured “illegal occupation, apartheid, and genocide policies for close to a century under Israeli occupation.

‎”The State of Palestine and its people extends its heartfelt solidarity with the Republic of Zimbabwe as SADC commemorates Anti-Sanctions Day. 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,” he said.

‎He condemned what he described as “the prevailing double standards within the international community,” which it said had emboldened Israel to continue committing atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank. He argued that “true adherence to international law requires sanctions to be applied against states that are clear violators, such as the apartheid state of Israel.”

Dr Almassri warned that Israel’s ongoing actions were pushing the Middle East “toward the precipice of a comprehensive regional war,” blaming this “catastrophic trajectory” on the international community’s failure to enforce its own laws and values.

‎Citing the immense humanitarian toll of the war in Gaza, he noted that since October 2023, over 77 000 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 200 000 tons of bombs, equivalent to 13 times the destructive power of the Hiroshima bomb, have been dropped on the enclave.

‎He said 275 journalists have been killed, marking the highest number of journalist casualties recorded since 1945.

‎Dr Almassri called on the United Nations Security Council to “take immediate action to curb Israeli aggression and hold its leadership accountable for war crimes,” stressing that where resolutions are not 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. The real sanctions should be applied to those who violate international law—not to those striving for freedom and dignity,” he said.

He also expressed his appreciation for the continued support and solidarity of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe, describing Zimbabwe’s resilience in the face of sanctions as an inspiration to other nations confronting external pressure.

‎”Your success is a success for the entire continent, and a victory for the principles of sovereignty and justice that we both hold dear. We wish Zimbabwe every success in achieving Vision 2030, a vision that promises a secure, prosperous, and empowered upper-middle-income society,” he said.

‎Dr Almassri reaffirmed Palestinian commitment to continue standing shoulder to shoulder with Zimbabwe and all peoples “struggling against occupation, oppression, and injustice,” until “freedom, justice, and equality are achieved for all.”

New Ziana

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