First published by the Middle East Eye on 27/1/2021 By holding parliamentary elections first, the Palestinian leadership aims to protect the PA and the Oslo paradigm. A series of Palestinian elections have been scheduled between May and August (AFP/file photo) A letter from Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was enough to trigger a long-awaited presidential decree by Palestinian Authority (PA) President …
Continue reading Palestine’s electoral process threatens to legitimise the status quo
First published by the Middle East Eye on 23/6/2020 Frustrated by the failure of their leadership to push back against Israeli apartheid, Palestinians are signing a petition to give themselves a stronger voice The Palestinian flag is waved during a protest in Tel Aviv over Israeli annexation on 6 June (AFP) As possible annexation of …
Continue reading Why we need elections to the Palestinian National Council
First published by the Middle East Eye on 2/3/2020 The Palestinian Authority's response to Trump's 'deal of the century' has been woefully inadequate, and Hamas is no better Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks to the UN Security Council in New York on 11 February (AFP) A month since US President Donald Trump announced his “deal …
First published by the Middle East Monitor on 7/5/2018 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (2nd L) makes a speech during the 23rd session of the Palestinian National Council in Ramallah, West Bank on 30 April 2018 [Issam Rimawi/Anadolu Agency] After a 22-year lull, the highest Palestinian legislative authority of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), the …
Continue reading The PNC meeting was ‘much ado about nothing’
I was interviewed by Press TV about the final statement of the Palestinian Central Council on 15/1/2018 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KftHJfLdw0A&feature=youtu.be
First published in the Arab Weekly on 3/12/2017 The continuing discussions on moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem raise serious doubts with the Palestinians. Risks ahead. The exterior of the US Embassy building in Tel Aviv. (AFP) US Vice-President Mike Pence recently confirmed that “President Donald Trump is actively considering when and how to move …
Continue reading A tale of two embassies and the ‘ultimate deal’
First published by the Arab Weekly in 12/11/2017 The PLO should join more international bodies and conventions and use these to pressure Israel back to the negotiating table. If it is to make progress towards realising its people’s legitimate right to self-determination in their homeland, the Palestinian leadership needs to take stock and weigh its …
Continue reading Palestinians should put more focus on their case internationally
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
