The Palestinian Ambassador to Egypt, Diab Allouh, has issued a heartfelt appeal to African journalists, politicians, and civil society leaders to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people amid the escalating Israeli invasion of Gaza. Addressing a gathering of young African journalists in Cairo, Allouh drew striking parallels between the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank and Africa's historic fight against colonial rule, particularly highlighting the protracted crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Allouh emphasized that many African countries have suffered under international imperialism and colonial powers, and similarly, Palestinians have endured over a century of occupation and colonialism. He condemned Israel's ongoing military operation in Gaza, which has destroyed over 90% of the territory since October 7, 2023, and left tens of thousands dead and injured. The ambassador stressed that the genocide in Gaza is not confined to the Strip but includes escalating military operations across the West Bank.
The ambassador detailed the dire situation in Gaza, where over two million people are enduring a "complete blockade" with no access to clean water, food, medicine, or shelter. He lamented that children are dying every day, not only from bombs but also from hunger, disease, and lack of medical care. Allouh called on the continent's media and governments to not remain silent, citing shared struggles between Palestinians and Africans.
"We want your political and diplomatic support in international forums like the UN General Assembly and Security Council," Allouh said. "We want you to influence African public opinion and leadership to reject genocide and forced displacement." He reminded the gathering that while many African countries have transitioned from liberation struggles to nation-building, Palestine remains under occupation.
Allouh 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 emphasized 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.
In response to the crisis, Egypt will 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. The Palestinian ambassador also announced that Palestine is preparing to submit a fresh request for full UN membership, appealing for African nations to back this bid.
Allouh warned that military approaches, including those used in hostage rescue operations, would not end the crisis. Instead, he urged for negotiated settlements and a UN-led international peace conference. He commended the mediation roles played by Egypt and Qatar but emphasized that 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. He urged African journalists to raise awareness and mobilize support for the Palestinian cause, emphasizing that journalism is a powerful weapon.
African countries have shown varied responses to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some nations, like South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, have taken a strong stance in support of Palestine, while others, such as Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have expressed unconditional support for Israel. However, public support for the Palestinian cause remains strong across Africa, with many viewing it as part of collective African values, including the rejection of occupation and exploitation .
The Palestinian ambassador's appeal highlights the need for African solidarity in the face of shared struggles against colonialism and occupation. As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community must come together to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Key Points:
- Palestinian Ambassador's Appeal: Diab Allouh urges African journalists, politicians, and civil society leaders to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
- Parallels with Congo's Struggle: Allouh draws striking parallels between the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank and Africa's historic fight against colonial rule, particularly highlighting the protracted crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Gaza's Dire Situation: Over two million people in Gaza are enduring a "complete blockade" with no access to clean water, food, medicine, or shelter.
- Call for African Solidarity: Allouh calls on the continent's media and governments to not remain silent, citing shared struggles between Palestinians and Africans.
- Reconstruction Conference: Egypt will 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.
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