ISLAMABAD: Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) Director General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood on Wednesday said Palestinians’ right to resistance was recognised by international law and their right to self-determination was enshrined in numerous UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions.

Addressing a webinar hosted by the Centre for Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa (CAMEA) at the ISSI titled ‘Regional Perspectives on the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict’, Mr Mahmood called for unhindered humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.

The webinar was moderated by CAMEA Director Amina Khan.

Among the speakers at the webinar included Ambassador Khalid Mahmood and Deputy Ambassador of Palestine in Pakistan Dr Naderal Turk.

CAMEA Director Amina Khan highlighted the severe consequences of Israel’s total blockade on Gaza, attributing it to the systematic oppression of the Palestinian people. She said over 13,000 casualties, including 5, 500 children and 3,500 women, had been counted since October 7.

Criticising the international system’s prioritisation of conflicts, she questioned the sanctity of human rights and international law.

Dr Naderal Turk said the events on October 7 were part of a 75-year history of Israeli apartheid.

Expressing gratitude to China and Russia for their support, he criticised Western double standards and urged intervention by regional countries and the Muslim world to stop Israel’s state terrorism in Gaza.

Dr Moatmer Amin, while expressing his views, said this conflict was a wakeup call for Egypt and wondered whether a change in course or in the entire direction was underway.

Dr Joseph Bahout talked about post-Gaza challenges, including finding a new Palestinian interlocutor, reshaping Israeli dynamics and navigating the American factor.

Dr Ali Bakir highlighted Qatar’s challenges in mediating between Hamas and Israel during the Gaza conflict.

Despite Qatar’s efforts to free hostages, US institutions, media and Israel undermined its role.

Dr Bilgehan Ozturk, while giving the Turkish perspective on the Israeli aggression in Gaza, said urkiye’s reaction and attitude had been different compared to the past.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had called Israel a terrorist state.

Dr Hanan Al-Hajeri highlighted Kuwait’s steadfast stance against Israel over seven decades, opposing normalisation until a Palestinian state was established along the 1967 borders.

She underscored the need for continuous international demands for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Dr Aziz Alghashian analysed the nuanced dynamics of Saudi-Israeli relations amid the ongoing war.

Dr Omid Babelian said that the current situation is rooted in a seven-decade history, impacting the dignity of Palestinians.

He highlighted the influence of the 1917 Balfour Declaration, leading Israel to act destructively due to Western indifference.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2023