The Palestinian Ambassador to Egypt has issued a passionate appeal to African journalists, political leaders, and civil society actors to rally in solidarity with the Palestinian people, as the Israeli invasion of Gaza intensifies.
Addressing young African journalists participating in a training session organised by the Union Of African Journalists in partnership with Supreme Council for Media Regulation and the Training and Media Studies Center in Cairo, Diab Allouh likened the ongoing war in Gaza and the West Bank to Africa’s historic fight against colonial rule – drawing particular parallels with the protracted crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Africa is a vast continent… many African countries have suffered under international imperialism and colonial powers. Similarly, Palestinians have endured over a century of occupation and colonialism,” the ambassador said.
“What is happening now in Gaza is not new. It is a continuation of a long history of displacement, genocide, and destruction,” he said.
Mr. Diab Allouh condemned Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza, which has, according to him, destroyed over 90 per cent of the territory since October 7, 2023, and left tens of thousands dead and injured.
He stressed that the genocide in Gaza is not confined to the Strip but includes escalating military operations across Jenin, Tulkarm, Nablus, Jerusalem, and other parts of the West Bank.
The ambassador detailed how Gaza’s population of over two million people is enduring what he described as a “complete blockade” – with no access to clean water, food, medicine, or shelter.
“Children are dying every day, not only from bombs but from hunger, disease, and lack of medical care,” he lamented.
Citing shared struggles between Palestinians and Africans, he called on the continent’s media and governments to not remain silent.
“We want your political and diplomatic support in international forums like the UN General Assembly and Security Council. We want you to influence African public opinion and leadership to reject genocide and forced displacement,” the diplomat indicated.
He reminded the gathering that while many African countries have transitioned from liberation struggles to nation-building, Palestine remains under occupation.
He pointed to the fragmentation of the West Bank through 770 Israeli checkpoints and expanding settlements as part of Israel’s strategy to undermine Palestinian statehood.
He also emphasised the threat of forced displacement, alleging that Israel seeks to permanently expel Palestinians from Gaza and erase the dream of a sovereign Palestinian state.
“We will not allow a repeat of 1948,” the ambassador stated firmly, referencing the Nakba, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced following the creation of the state of Israel.
As part of a broader international response, Mr. Diab Allouh announced that Egypt would host a reconstruction conference for Gaza on May 5,2025, under the patronage of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, King Abdullah of Jordan, and other international actors.
In a bold diplomatic move, the ambassador said Palestine is preparing to submit a fresh request for full UN membership.
Although nearly 150 countries currently recognise Palestine, the United States has repeatedly used its veto power at the UN Security Council to block full membership.
He appealed for African nations to back this bid: “We have signed over 110 international agreements. We want to live in peace, dignity, and security on our land. Africa understands this aspiration because it has lived through similar struggles.”
The ambassador also warned that military approaches, including those used in hostage rescue operations, would not end the crisis. He urged instead for negotiated settlements and a UN-led international peace conference.
Mr. Diab Allouh said, “Journalism is a powerful weapon. You, as African journalists, can raise awareness and mobilise support for the Palestinian cause.”
While commending the mediation roles played by Egypt and Qatar, he said those efforts must be supported by global diplomatic pressure, including from Africa.
In linking Palestine’s plight to that of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the ambassador noted that both regions are victims of international exploitation, foreign-backed violence, and mass displacement.
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