By Staff Reporter
Zimbabwean churches joined hands in solidarity with Palestine on the International Women’s Day of Prayer, a significant and somber occasion marked by unity and compassion. This act of faith and support came in the wake of devastating reports from the Gaza Strip, where thousands of women and children had been killed, and critical infrastructure, including holy places, reduced to rubble. The heart-wrenching destruction underscored the urgent need for international intervention.
Since the onset of Israel’s invasion and military operations in Gaza, reports indicate that thousands of Palestinians, including a significant number of women and children, have been killed. According to humanitarian organizations and local sources, the death toll has surpassed 10,000, with countless others injured, many critically.
The destruction of infrastructure in Gaza has been staggering. Residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and places of worship have been bombed, leaving entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. Over 50% of Gaza’s infrastructure, including water and electricity networks, has been obliterated, plunging millions into a humanitarian crisis.
Holy sites, such as mosques and churches, have not been spared, with some completely destroyed. These actions have drawn widespread international condemnation, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and justice for the people of Palestine.
The event, held this morning in Harare, was a poignant gathering of diverse denominations. The Ambassador of Palestine to Zimbabwe, Dr. Dr Tamer Almassri, attended as a guest of honor and delivered a passionate condemnation of the atrocities.
“The killing of women and children and the destruction of sacred sites is a crime against humanity,” Dr. Almassri stated. “We call upon the international community to act with urgency to protect the people of Palestine and bring an end to this senseless violence.” His words reverberated across the square, met with heartfelt applause and solemn nods from those in attendance.
The national executive vice chair advocated for peace and justice. “As we commemorate this International Women’s Day of Prayer, we stand with our sisters in Palestine, mourning their losses and uplifting their spirits through faith,” she declared, her voice echoing with conviction. “May our prayers today reach beyond borders and bring about the peace and justice they so desperately deserve.”
Miriam Dube, a mother of three from Chitungwiza, traveled over 30 kilometers to attend. She held a placard that read, “Zimbabwe Stands with Palestine,” her face reflecting a mixture of sorrow and determination. “I am here as a mother,” she said. “I cannot ignore the pain of losing children to violence. My prayer is for the mothers of Gaza, who have lost everything but still hold on to hope.”
“As Christians, we are called to be the voice of the oppressed,” she proclaimed. “The deliberate targeting of civilians and the desecration of holy sites are injustices that demand our condemnation and our intervention.” Said the executive chair.
The Ambassador expressed gratitude to Zimbabwean churches for their unwavering support. “Your prayers and solidarity remind us that we are not alone in this struggle,” he said. “Together, we can amplify the voices of the oppressed and bring light to the darkest corners of the world.”
