Niël Terblanché
Namibia has condemned the recent Israeli airstrike on civilians sheltered at Al-Tabin School in Gaza, which has been home to displaced Palestinians.
In a statement released on Sunday, Ambassador Penda Naanda, the Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, described the attack as a “barbaric act” and called on the international community to take immediate and decisive action to protect Palestinian civilians.
Naanda, on behalf of the government, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of more than 100 lives during the attack, which targeted Palestinians who were performing Fajr (dawn) prayers at the school located in the Al-Daraj neighbourhood.
“These were innocent civilians, including women and children, who were seeking refuge and should have been protected under international law,” Ambassador Naanda said.
He also criticised the international community, particularly those who have remained silent or complicit, for failing to protect these vulnerable populations.
“The ongoing violence and systematic slaughter of Palestinians by Israeli forces is a gross violation of international law, and it condemns the lack of adequate response from global powers,” he added.
Naanda reiterated Namibia’s call for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take appropriate measures to hold those responsible for these atrocities accountable.
He urged the UNSC to urgently implement its resolutions and compel Israel, which he referred to as an “illegal occupying power,” to respect international law and UN resolutions regarding the rights of the Palestinian people.
Namibia’s condemnation is part of a broader African and international response.
South Africa, a longstanding critic of Israel’s actions in Palestine, has similarly condemned the attack, accusing Israel of violating human rights and international law.
South Africa, along with Namibia, has backed a case brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide.
Other nations, including Jordan, Turkey, and Malaysia, have joined this outcry, reinforcing the global demand for justice and the protection of Palestinian civilians.
According to Naanda, Namibia bases its support for Palestinian self-determination on its historical experience of occupation and apartheid.
He reiterated the Namibian government’s commitment to standing with the Palestinian people until they can fully exercise their inalienable rights.
