Stefanus Nashama
Dr Charles Mubita, former Secretary for Information and Mobilization of the Former PLAN Combatants Association (FPCA) condemned Israel’s blockade of essential services to Gaza and the ongoing violence in Palestinian-occupied territories.
Mubita last week, asserted that Israel’s indiscriminate bombings and blockades, denying access to basic services, violate the principles of the law of armed conflict, international law, and human rights.
“The FPCA calls upon the global community, all peace-loving individuals, to exert pressure on the Zionist Israeli regime and its imperialist supporters to lift the blockade on essential services to the Palestinian people,” stated Mubita.
The FPCA also urged the African Union, the Arab League, and the international community to take the lead in facilitating negotiations aimed at achieving sustainable, lasting, and concrete peace and stability in Palestine.
Mubita reiterated the FPCA’s unwavering support and solidarity with the Palestinian people, who have endured immense suffering in their homeland for many decades.
This condemnation follows an assault by Hamas, the governing Palestinian group in the blockaded Gaza Strip, on Israeli towns on October 7, 2023.
The FCPA’s denunciation aligns with the Namibian Government’s strong stance, as they too condemned the escalating violence the previous week.
The Namibian Government expressed condolences for the loss of lives on both sides and called for an immediate de-escalation of the conflict while urging both Israel and Palestine to cease hostilities.
Penda Naanda, Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, stated, “Namibia calls on Israel to halt its attacks and refrain from provocative actions against the Palestinian people, in compliance with international humanitarian law.”
The ongoing conflict has witnessed one of the most significant Hamas attacks on Israel in decades, resulting in over 800 Israeli casualties and approximately 500 Palestinian casualties amid intense fighting and bombings.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a comprehensive blockade on the Gaza Strip, including disruptions to electricity and essential supplies.
Reports from Gaza’s Ministry of Health indicated that since the Hamas offensive began on October 7, Israeli airstrikes had claimed the lives of at least 510 Palestinians and left 2,751 others injured. Israel reported 800 of its citizens dead and over 2,200 more injured in retaliatory attacks.
The Israeli military claimed to have targeted over 1,000 sites in Gaza since the start of the conflict, including devastating air raids on Beit Hanoun. According to the United Nations, these strikes have displaced over 123,000 Palestinians in Gaza.
Over the weekend, President Hage Geingob, in his personal capacity, expressed sympathy for the people of Gaza and called for peace and humanity in the midst of the conflict.
Geingob appealed for an end to the escalating violence between Israel and Palestine and expressed deep concern about the severe humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza.
He strongly condemned the disproportionate actions of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) in Gaza, denouncing the devastating attacks on innocent civilians, including women and children, and the targeting of essential infrastructure such as schools and hospitals.
“The people of Gaza have the right to water, food, electricity, and other necessities,” Geingob stated.
