Zimbabwe Concerned Over Israeli Attack On Palestinian Worshippers

Zimbabwe has expressed concern over the Israeli attack on Palestinian worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. In a statement seen by Pindula News, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said many Palestinian worshippers were injured in the attack while hundreds of them were “wantonly” arrested. Reads the statement:

STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE FOLLOWING THE ISRAELI ATTACKS ON PALESTINIAN MUSLIM WORSHIPPERS AT THE AL-AQSA MOSQUE

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe has noted with concern, the assault by Israeli security forces on Palestinian worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque that started on 5 April 2023, leading to the injury of many and the wanton arrests of hundreds of Palestinian worshippers. These incursions by the Israeli forces are in flagrant violation of the longstanding agreement preventing non-Muslims from holding rituals at the site, which is Islam’s third holiest site after Mecca and Medina that has been in place since 1967. Israel, as the occupying power, has binding obligations under International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law to accord maximum and unconditional protection to all Palestinians in the occupied territories, including guaranteeing freedom of worship. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe calls on the Government of Israel to unconditionally withdraw its occupying forces from this holy site, in order to de-escalate the tension arising from its unilateral actions. Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe joins the international community in calling for the revival of the political process, which will lead to the realization of a two-state solution as envisaged under the Oslo Accords of 1993 and 1995. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade 6 April 2023.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an ongoing struggle between Israelis and Palestinians over land and governance in the region. It started in the early 20th century when Jewish immigration to Palestine increased, leading to tensions between Jews and Arabs. The conflict has resulted in numerous conflicts and wars, with key issues including borders, settlements, Jerusalem, and the rights of Palestinians. It has led to the displacement of millions of Palestinians and the loss of lives.