Tanzania’s relationship with Palestine dates back to the early years of the country’s independence and is closely connected to its history of anti-colonialism, national liberation and non-alignment.

Under founding President Julius Nyerere, Tanzania became a strong supporter of liberation movements across Africa and beyond. The Palestinian struggle was viewed within this broader context of peoples seeking self-determination. Tanzania developed close relations with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and hosted a PLO office in Dar es Salaam in the 1970s.

The relationship deepened after the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, when Tanzania broke diplomatic relations with Israel. Dar es Salaam continued to support Palestinian national aspirations at the United Nations and became an important African venue for discussions on the Palestinian question. In 1980, the UN held its first African seminar on Palestine in Arusha, further highlighting Tanzania’s role in the issue.

Tanzania also supported the Palestinian declaration of independence in 1988 and has consistently backed Palestinian self-determination and statehood.

However, Tanzania’s position has not simply been about opposing Israel. In 1995, Tanzania restored diplomatic relations with Israel after a 22-year break. Since then, it has maintained relations with both Israel and Palestine, reflecting a diplomatic position that supports Palestinian statehood while recognising Israel’s right to peace and security.

Today, Tanzania continues to advocate for a two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state existing alongside Israel in peace and security. The government has also repeatedly called for humanitarian protection of civilians and a negotiated settlement based on international law and relevant UN resolutions.

The Tanzania-Palestine relationship is therefore rooted in a much longer history than the current Gaza conflict. It grew out of Tanzania’s own experience with colonialism and liberation and has remained part of its foreign-policy tradition for more than half a century.

From Nyerere’s Dar es Salaam to today’s diplomacy, Tanzania’s message has remained broadly consistent: Palestinian self-determination, Israeli security, and a negotiated peace that allows both peoples to live as neighbours.