Almassri Chides Israel’s Seizure Of Over USD544m Palestinian Funds

Zimbabwean News You Can Trust

Ambassador of Palestine to Zimbabwe, Dr. Tamer Almassri, has condemned Israel’s seizure of USD 544 million Palestinian funds, labeling the act a “blatant violation of international law and a form of financial piracy”.

Almassri said Israel’s actions reflect they don’t value human rights, because the seizure comes at a time when Israeli military action is carrying out its operations in the Gaza enclave.

In a statement, the diplomat stressed that the Israeli act of withholding its funds will hit hard on their economy and disrupt their efforts to provide essential services to their citizens. He urged the international community to intervene, insisting they will use legal roots to return their funds.

He said, “Israel’s systematic theft of Palestinian funds, particularly in the wake of its recent aggression against Gaza, demonstrates a callous disregard for the basic needs and human rights of the Palestinian people. By withholding these funds, Israel is effectively imposing collective punishment on the Palestinian population, exacerbating economic hardship and deepening the humanitarian crisis.

“This illegal seizure of Palestinian funds directly undermines the Palestinian Authority’s ability to provide essential services to its people, including healthcare, education, and social welfare programs. It has a devastating impact on the Palestinian economy and contributes to a cycle of poverty and deprivation.

“The State of Palestine calls upon the international community to demand the immediate and unconditional return of all illegally seized Palestinian funds, and hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law.

“The State of Palestine will continue to pursue all available legal and diplomatic avenues to secure the return of its rightful funds and to end Israel’s illegal occupation and its systematic violations of Palestinian rights.”

Israel launched a campaign to destroy Hamas in response to the group’s 7 October 2023 attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

More than 46,640 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry. Most of the 2.3 million population has also been displaced, there is widespread destruction, and there are severe shortages of food, fuel, medicine and shelter due to a struggle to get aid to those in need.