Harare – Zimbabweans from different organisations and faith groups gathered at the ZANU PF Headquarters in Harare to commemorate Al-Quds Day, expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine and calling for peace and justice in the Middle East.
Al-Quds, which means Jerusalem, is globally observed as a day of solidarity with Palestinians and a call to end the occupation of Palestinian territories. Participants at the gathering emphasised the need for unity, diplomacy and international cooperation in resolving the conflict.
Speaking at the event, the ZANU PF National Spokesperson, Christopher Mutsvangwa, stressed that diplomacy remains the most effective path toward resolving international disputes.
“Diplomacy is the best way to resolve issues among nations,” said the ZANU PF National Spokesperson. He added that Zimbabwe continues to advocate for peaceful engagement among nations and noted that the country is campaigning to become a member of the United Nations Security Council.
“We appeal to major powers to become vehicles of peace and tranquillity,” he said.
Representing Fathers 4 ED, National Chairman Reason Zinyama expressed strong support for the Palestinian cause, saying Zimbabweans understand the pain of oppression due to their own liberation history.
“Only God, Allah, has the right to give and take life. We know the pain of oppression and we are committed to supporting the people of Palestine,” he said, adding that solidarity with oppressed people around the world reflects the values of justice and humanity.
Also speaking at the gathering, Elder Chikobvu from Vapostori for ED, representing Madzibaba Moze, emphasised the importance of national self-determination.
He noted that the people of Palestine should be allowed to govern their own country, echoing the philosophy often emphasised by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, that “nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,” meaning a nation must be built and governed by its own people.
Youth representatives also took part in the solidarity event. Representing Young Muslims for ED, Carlton Caltun called for unity among Zimbabweans of different faiths and backgrounds.
“We must unite both Muslims and non-Muslims in prayer as we stand in solidarity with Palestine,” he said, adding that the youth remain committed to national development initiatives including support for Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 of Zimbabwe.
Chairperson of the Palestine Solidarity Movement Zimbabwe, Dr Mafa, said the gathering reflected the enduring solidarity between Zimbabwe and the Palestinian people.
“We gather in a spirit of solidarity and we stand loudly that the people of Zimbabwe stand with Palestine without fear,” he said in a statement.
Dr Mafa added that the Palestinian issue resonates deeply with Zimbabwe’s own liberation history.
“When we speak about Palestine, we do not speak about a distant conflict,” he said, noting that colonial domination and oppression are temporary and that people everywhere aspire to freedom and self-determination.
The Al-Quds Day gathering demonstrated the continued solidarity expressed by Zimbabwean organisations, religious groups and political movements with the Palestinian cause, while also calling for peaceful diplomatic efforts to resolve the long-standing conflict.
