The Final Declaration sanctioning the work of this Conference called for confronting all forms of continued Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, including settlements, the apartheid regime and discriminatory measures.
It also called on the Security Council to assume its responsibilities for the effective implementation of its decisions relating to the Palestinian cause, to work to put an end to illegal Israeli policies and practices against the Palestinian people and to eliminate illegal settlements and the wall of annexation and expansion, which constitute a violation of international law, United Nations resolutions, the Fourth Geneva Convention and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.
In this context, the Final Declaration called on the international community to assume its legal, moral and humanitarian responsibilities for the immediate cessation of Israeli settlement projects in the Holy City.
Furthermore, the Declaration emphasizes that all systematic and illegal Israeli policies and plans aimed at legitimizing the ”false and abolished” Israeli annexation of Al-Quds East, altering its Arab identity, modifying its demographic composition, compromising the demographic and urban growth and to isolate the people from their Palestinian environment, constitute flagrant violations of international resolutions.
Furthermore, the Final Declaration strongly condemned the repeated and increasing incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the attack on its sanctity and the security of its worshipers by officials of the Israeli occupying government and extremist settlers, stressing the rejection of systematic and illegal Israeli measures aimed at weakening the Christian presence in the Holy City.
The Declaration warned that these blatant violations of the legal and historical status of the Holy Sites of Al-Quds constitute serious violations of international agreements and obligations and will have serious repercussions on international peace and security.
She called on all countries to implement the resolutions related to the Palestinian cause, emanating from the United Nations and the Executive Council of UNESCO, highlighting that the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al-Qudsi Al-Sharif is a purely Islamic site reserved for the worship of Muslims and is an integral part of the world cultural heritage sites.
The Head of Government, Mr. Aziz Akhannouch, represented His Majesty King Mohammed VI, President of the Al-Quds Committee, during this Conference, marked by a significant Arab and Islamic presence.
Also taking part in the Conference were Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, King Abdullah II of Jordan, Secretary General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit, as well as representatives of high-level regional, Arab and international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement, the European Union, the African Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The Conference addressed political developments in Palestine in addition to legal and investment development dimensions.
Interview: The Rise of Global Advocacy for Palestinian Rights
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Sarah El-Masri, a distinguished expert on international law and human rights. Dr. El-Masri, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Sarah El-Masri: Thank you for having me. I’m glad to discuss these pressing issues concerning the Palestinian cause.
Editor: Recently, a Conference issued a powerful Final Declaration addressing continued Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people. Could you summarize the key components of this declaration?
Dr. El-Masri: Absolutely. The Final Declaration strongly condemns the ongoing Israeli policies, including settlement expansion and discriminatory practices. It calls on the international community—particularly the UN Security Council—to uphold its legal obligations and actively work to halt these illegal actions, emphasizing that such policies violate not only international law but also the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Editor: In what ways does this declaration challenge the legitimacy of Israeli settlements and policies in the region?
Dr. El-Masri: The declaration clearly outlines that the Israeli settlements in occupied territories, particularly in Al-Quds (East Jerusalem), are illegal under international law. It characterizes these actions as systematic attempts to alter the demographic landscape, undermining the historical and cultural identity of the Palestinian people. By labeling the Israeli annexation as “false and abolished,” it reaffirms that such acts have no legal standing.
Editor: The document also invokes the moral and humanitarian responsibilities of the international community. How crucial is this call to action?
Dr. El-Masri: It’s critically important. The declaration serves as a reminder that the international community cannot remain passive. It emphasizes that states and organizations must take a stand against violations of human rights and international law. A failure to act not only perpetuates injustice but may also jeopardize future diplomatic relations and global stability.
Editor: One particular point that stood out was the condemnation of incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque. What implications does this have for religious and cultural sites in the area?
Dr. El-Masri: The sanctity of Al-Aqsa is crucial, not just for Palestinians but for the Muslim community globally. The declaration condemns violent incursions, highlighting the potential for escalating tensions. Al-Aqsa is a symbol of resistance against occupation, and attacks on such sites can lead to broader conflict, both locally and internationally. Protecting these religious spaces is fundamental to promoting peace and dialogue.
Editor: There’s a growing global awareness and advocacy for Palestinian rights. How do you see the role of civil society in echoing the sentiments of this declaration?
Dr. El-Masri: Civil society plays an essential role. Grassroots organizations, advocates, and activists have the power to raise awareness, mobilize communities, and put pressure on governments to act. Their voices can help transform public opinion and can drive policy changes in favor of human rights. The Final Declaration can serve as a rallying point for these groups to unite their efforts.
Editor: Lastly, what do you think are the next steps for the international community and organizations that support Palestinian rights in light of this declaration?
Dr. El-Masri: The immediate next steps should involve consolidating international pressure on Israel to halt its aggressive policies. This could include advocating for sanctions against illegal settlements and increased diplomatic efforts to revive peace negotiations based on international law. Engaging various stakeholders—from governments to NGOs—will also be vital in driving meaningful change and ensuring accountability for violations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. El-Masri, for sharing your insights. Your expertise sheds light on the ongoing challenges and the path forward for resolving this enduring conflict.
Dr. El-Masri: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to advocate for justice and uphold the rights of the Palestinian people.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed and engaged with the issues that matter. Until next time!