By Elvis Dumba
Harare – The Embassy of Palestine in Zimbabwe has strongly condemned what it describes as a deliberate Israeli military attack on journalists in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of Palestinian journalists Helmi Al-Faqaawi and Yousef al-Khazinda, and the horrific burning alive of Ahmed Mansour.
“This attack is part of a disturbing pattern of targeting journalists reporting from the besieged enclave. More than 210 media professionals have been killed by Israeli forces since October 2023,” said HE Ambassador Tamer Almassri.
He accused Israel of attempting to silence media coverage to conceal the full extent of its actions in Gaza.
Journalists operating in Gaza continue to face extreme risks as they report amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes, widespread famine, mass displacement, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports that at least 173 journalists and media workers have been killed since the conflict escalated, with many others injured, detained, or missing.
“The silence and inaction of the international community have emboldened Israel to continue its brutal campaign with impunity,” Ambassador Almassri said.
He called on all nations to defend justice, uphold international law, and stop the violence against civilians and members of the press.
“The international community must act immediately to address the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza,” he urged.
The United Nations has expressed concern over the targeting of journalists, and the International Criminal Court has reportedly begun seeking arrest warrants for Israeli officials on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“We will not raise the white flag in the face of Israel’s apartheid and genocidal policies,” Ambassador Almassri declared.
“The world must acknowledge the Palestinian people’s right to life, education, healthcare, and fundamental freedoms—rights that are being stripped away daily.”
He concluded by saying the State of Palestine has made repeated appeals to the global community, which he claims have been met with silence.
“International laws meant to protect human rights have become hollow words as the Israeli occupation continues to commit atrocities in Gaza with no accountability,” the ambassador said in his closing remarks.
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