DAR ES SALAAM: Charge d’Affaires of the State of Palestine to Tanzania, Honorable Eng. Salim Siam, visited the offices of the Dar es Salaam Press Club (DAR-PC), December 18, 2025. He engaged in in-depth discussions with members, emphasizing the solidarity between the two nations through the vital field of information.
During the meeting, Eng. Siam detailed the severe challenges currently facing Palestinians and explained the roots of the conflict and the ongoing killings carried out by Israel for 78 years. He presented distressing statistics illustrating the dire human rights situation according to Situation Report #66.
Security and Humanitarian Crisis
Since the start of the current genocide, the death toll has reached at least 70,663 martyrs, including at least 20,179 children. Despite the ceasefire deal declared on October 11, Israel has killed an additional 391 Palestinians and injured 1,063 others within the last 66 days.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate as winter sets in. Reports indicate that infants are dying due to extreme cold and acute malnutrition, exacerbated by Israel blocking 6,500 trucks carrying essential humanitarian and winter supplies. Furthermore, approximately 87% of housing units in Gaza have been destroyed, leaving thousands without adequate shelter.
Attacks Against Journalists
The Charge d’Affaires emphasized the critical role of journalists, whom he described as "guardians of truth." Current reports highlight 2025 as the deadliest year for the profession globally, with Israel accounting for 43% of all journalist fatalities worldwide.
Data from the Palestine News Agency (WAFA) reveals that from October 2023 to December 14, 2025, a total of 289 Palestinian journalists were killed by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF), many of whom were targeted in the line of duty.
Appreciation of Tanzania's Stance
Charge d affairs appreciated Tanzania stance of supporting solidarity despite the limited coverage of the Palestinian suffering in Tanzania. He commended the strong cooperation of the media. He urged the media to align with the government's position by supporting Palestinian efforts and informing the public about the atrocities committed against civilians in the Gaza Strip, West Bank including Jerusalem. He noted that such reporting is crucial in holding Israel legally accountable and informing the world about the long-standing cruelty faced by Palestinian children, women, and the elderly.
DAR-PC Stance and Recommendations
For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of DAR-PC, Mr. Andrew Msechu, on behalf of the Chairman, issued a formal statement of solidarity, expressing deep distress over the killing of 51 journalists in Palestine in 2025 alone.
DAR-PC, which comprises 161 active members from over 50 media outlets, presented four key requests to the Ambassador:
Strengthening Communication Channels: Ensuring the embassy office serves as a robust information link for Tanzanian journalists.
Patronage and Advocacy: Requesting the Ambassador to introduce and represent DAR-PC to other diplomatic missions to expand cooperation.
Exchange Programs: Establishing training programs and visits to Palestine to allow journalists to witness the reality on the ground.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): Drafting a special agreement to facilitate access to office equipment and a verified, timely flow of information.
This historic meeting the first since the new DAR-PC leadership assumed office in February 2025 is viewed as a significant step in strengthening media diplomacy and providing a voice for the Palestinian people against oppression.
https://palestineintz.blogspot.com/2025/12/kaimu-balozi-wa-palestina-azuru-dar-pc.html
