Palestine Stands with Zimbabwe: A Shared Struggle Against Sanctions and Injustice

By Edward Makuzva

The State of Palestine has expressed deep solidarity with the Republic of Zimbabwe as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) commemorates Anti-Sanctions Day, a regional day of unity against the unjust restrictions imposed on 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.

In a powerful statement, the Palestinian ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri added that the people of Palestine “extend heartfelt solidarity with Zimbabwe” and fully understand the devastating impact of illegal sanctions, having themselves endured nearly a century of occupation, apartheid, and genocide under Israeli rule.

“True adherence to international law requires sanctions to be applied against states that are clear violators, such as the apartheid state of Israel,” ambassador Almassri added.

The message drew a striking parallel between the struggles of Palestinians and Zimbabweans both peoples facing external interference and punitive measures that undermine sovereignty, development, and human dignity.

For more than seven decades, Palestine has endured occupation, with Israel accused of committing grave war crimes and genocidal acts, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank.

The Palestinian leadership condemned the double standards of the international community, saying the persistent failure to hold Israel accountable only emboldens further atrocities.

Since October 2023, Dr Almassri noted, over 77,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with more than 200,000 tonnes of bombs dropped an explosive force more than 13 times greater than the Hiroshima bomb.

Over 275 journalists have also been killed, marking the highest death toll among media professionals since World War II.

Palestine called for urgent action from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to halt Israeli aggression and to ensure accountability for war crimes.

Where UNSC resolutions are ignored, the statement insisted, coercive measures must be taken against Israel.As SADC nations rally behind Zimbabwe’s call for the removal of sanctions, Palestine urged the world to confront the hypocrisy in the application of international law.

“The real sanctions should be applied to Israel, not Zimbabwe. The real sanctions should target those who violate international law, not those struggling to survive under oppression,” ambassador emphasized.

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.“

Your success is a success for the entire continent and a victory for the principles of sovereignty and justice that we both hold dear,” Dr Almassri concluded.

The message from Palestine serves as a reminder that the struggle against sanctions, occupation, and oppression transcends borders — uniting nations that stand firm for justice, independence, and the right to self-determination.