The UK should put Israel on notice, not the UN Human Rights Council

First published by the Middle East Eye on 28/3/2017 After supporting the UN resolution against Israeli settlements, the UK's attack against the council is illogical - unless this is all about trade deals In a surprise move, the UK representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council made a scathing attack against the council at …

Continue reading The UK should put Israel on notice, not the UN Human Rights Council

Deep concern as Israeli laws entrench the occupation

First published by the Arab Weekly on 26/3/2017 Photo: Remembering. Palestinian woman gestures in the village of Khirbet Zakaria with a view of the Israeli Gush Etzion settlement block seen in the background, on March 5th. (AFP) London - Israel has recently passed or initiated laws that can be con­sidered an entrenching of its occupation …

Continue reading Deep concern as Israeli laws entrench the occupation

Richard Falk: People must shame UN for quashing ‘apartheid Israel’ report

First published by the Middle East Monitor on 20/3/2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=fX1ESZYQ8Cc Professor Richard Falk, former UN special rapporteur for Palestine, was hosted in London by the Middle East Monitor yesterday as part of his book launch tour. He introduced his book “Palestine’s Horizon Toward a Just Peace” eloquently to a packed hall. He had earlier been …

Continue reading Richard Falk: People must shame UN for quashing ‘apartheid Israel’ report

Banning BDS supporters is incompatible with a Western-style democracy

First published by the Middle East Eye on 14/3/2017 The next time you hear Israel laud its democratic credentials, remember the ban on BDS supporters and take it with a pinch of salt Israel’s parliament began the year with a volley of bills designed to entrench its occupation of the Palestinian territories, insult the indigenous …

Continue reading Banning BDS supporters is incompatible with a Western-style democracy

Interview for Muslim Press

First published by Muslim Press on 7/3/2017 ‘Moving US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem would be explosive’ In an interview with Muslim Press, British Palestinian academic and writer on Middle East Affairs Kamel Hawwash said, “Moving the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem would be explosive as assessed by the Muslim world, the …

Continue reading Interview for Muslim Press

The Palestinian leadership must embrace the Conference for Palestinians Abroad

First published by the Middle East Monitor on 6/3/2017 In my last article for MEMO, I wondered whether the Conference for Palestinians Abroad (CPA) could lead to Palestinian unity of vision. It was a privilege to be with an estimated 6,000 Palestinians from 50 countries in Istanbul for the conference, which took place on 25 …

Continue reading The Palestinian leadership must embrace the Conference for Palestinians Abroad

2017 is the year of sad anniversaries for Palestinians

First published by the Arab Weekly on 19/2/2017 Israel continues to violate UN resolutions with im­punity and Palestinians can expect more bad anniversaries to mark. A 2016 picture shows a Palestinian youth waving the national flag on the 68th anniversary of the Nakba (AFP) 2017 is the year of anniver­saries for Palestinians. Sadly, none can …

Continue reading 2017 is the year of sad anniversaries for Palestinians

Can the Istanbul conference for diaspora Palestinians lead to unity of vision?

First published by the Middle East Monitor on 16/2/2017 The situation continues to get worse for Palestinians as they remain under occupation in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip, and the latter has also been under siege for a decade. Those who make-up one-fifth of the Israeli population continue to suffer from official …

Continue reading Can the Istanbul conference for diaspora Palestinians lead to unity of vision?

Trump’s status quo for Palestine-Israel isn’t so bad, unless you’re a Palestinian

First published by the Middle East Monitor on 7/2/2017 Israeli police detain a Palestinian protester during a demonstration against US President Trump [Shadi Hatem/Apaimages] The election of Donald Trump as President of the United States appears to have emboldened Israeli politicians. Many clearly feel that their strongest ally will henceforth provide them with the chance to …

Continue reading Trump’s status quo for Palestine-Israel isn’t so bad, unless you’re a Palestinian

TV interview about Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with Theresa May

Interview on RT UK on 6/2/2017 It is inadequate to continue to condemn Israeli policies, time for action. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8d2BJ4J-MU