PAX, together with Oxfam Novib, SOMO and The Rights Forum organized the first webinar of a two part series called Current Developments in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Last April it became clear that the new Israeli coalition agreement explicitly contained the possibility of an annexation of the West Bank. This webinar focused on the consequences of a potential annexation, something PAX already addressed in a statement, calling for European Ministers to take concrete measures.
The webinar featured various experts including PAX partners. While the speakers each addressed the potential annexation from a different angle, they unanimously stressed the urgency of the situation and the enormity of the consequences should annexation take place.
“A ‘wait and see’ approach is not something we can do. I think words are not enough in this situation. As history has shown us, once concrete steps are taken in the Palestinian context on the ground, it becomes too late to reverse the impact […].”
– Jamie McGoldrick
The webinar also provided recommendations and insights into what the international community can do to prevent an annexation and what the consequences are of such an annexation for Palestinians living in the area.
Speakers
Speakers of the webinar were: Mr. Jamie McGoldrick, United Nations Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Dr. Munir Nusseibeh, Director of the Community Action Center at the Al-Quds University, and Ms. Sharona Weiss, Head of International Advocacy Department Yesh Din.
Webinar part two
Settlement Economy Focusing on the human rights problems resulting from business activities with the illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.