The Chairman of the Friends of Palestine, Robson Musarafu, has urged the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to help counter US influence at the United Nations in order to save Palestinians from the Israeli military action in Gaza.
Musarafu argues that the US is using its veto power at the UN to protect Israel.
According to Palestinian authorities, the Israeli military action in Gaza has killed over 40 000 Palestinian civilians, including women and children.
Universities, hospitals and schools have also been destroyed.
Speaking during a symposium on the Palestinian question and finding solutions to achieve an everlasting peace between the waring parties, Musarufu said the US is using its veto power in the UN to shield Israel from being held accountable for its actions whilst also providing it with weapons.
“We are calling on SADC and AU to impose sanctions on Israel for its genocide in Gaza, which has claimed thousands of lives of innocent civilians. The two bodies must also minimize the US influence in the UN, because it is now difficult for the international body to hold Israel accountable for its heinous crimes,” he said.
The Secretary General for the Supreme Muslim Council of Zimbabwe (SMCZ), Sheikh Henry Bakalazi, who was also part of the panelists, encouraged Palestinians to continue fighting until they attain full independence.
“In 1979, Zimbabwe was at Lancester House and agreements were made, but years later we are suffering because of those deliberations and negotiations we did with thieves. My message is clear: Palestine must avoid negotiations, Israel took their land, and they should fight to get its back even to their last breath,” he said.
China, France, Russia, the United States of America and the United Kingdom are the five permanent members of the UN Security Council with Veto powers.
