The Charge d’Affaires of the State of Palestine to Tanzania, Salim Siam, met with editors and management of The Guardian and Nipashe newspapers in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, urging Tanzanian media to provide accurate reporting on the humanitarian and political situation in Palestine.
During the meeting, Siam briefed the media on conditions in Gaza and the West Bank, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis and escalating violence.
He traced the conflict’s roots to 1948, noting the destruction of over 500 Palestinian towns and villages and the displacement of thousands of families.
“The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. Nearly 95 percent of residential areas have been destroyed, including homes, hospitals, schools, clinics, churches, and mosques. Severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and shelter are contributing to high mortality, particularly among children,” Siam said.
He further described rising violence in the West Bank, citing Israeli military raids, settler attacks, and the displacement of more than 50,000 Palestinians in areas such as Jenin, Tulkarem, Nablus, and Hebron.
According to the diplomat, more than 1,164 Palestinians have been killed in recent operations.
Siam urged Tanzanians to closely follow international political developments, warning that global decisions directly affect domestic and regional stability.
He condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing it as a breach of international law, and accused powerful nations, including the United States, of supporting Israel diplomatically and militarily.
The Palestinian envoy also handed over an updated document detailing the humanitarian situation in occupied Palestine.
The report emphasizes urgent international intervention to address disease, malnutrition, and extreme cold-related deaths among children, particularly infants in Gaza.
The briefing highlighted the role of the media in ensuring citizens receive verified information about Palestine, with H.E. Siam assuring that the Palestinian mission is available to provide official updates and clarifications.