Hosted in a lecture entitled “Palestinians Reality and Challenges”
Arab American University President Prof. Dr. Ali Zedan Abu Zuhri …. PLO’s Relations Coordinator with the 1948 Palestinians Mr. Maher Ghonaim, who visited AAUP to give a lecture entitled “Palestinians Reality and Challenges”.
From the lecture
Before the lecture, President of Arab American University Prof.Dr. Abu Zuhri and the guest had a meeting, the president welcomed Mr. Ghonaim giving him detailed explanation to AAUP breakthroughs in academia and scientific research along with developmental and technological projects. Pointing to the university architectural development to become complete University City. Then they took a tour around campus.
Later, lecture was started by head of General Culture Department at Faculty of Arts Dr. Jamal Hanaisheh. PLO’s Relations Coordinator with the 1948 Palestinians Maher Gnaim addressed the occupation government racial discrimination against the 1948 Palestinians, praising their steadfastness on their land and stressing the need to provide them with all support.
He pointed, based on 2016 statistical Palestinians in and out Palestine exceeded 12 million people; 4 millions in West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem, 1.5 million in the 1948 lands and 6.3 million people in diaspora.
Ghonaim wondered, is it possible to achieve peace? His answer, as long as there’s increase in settlements, Jerusalem Judaize and demolition and arrest policy, it’s unlikely that peace will be achieved. Israeli government isn’t ready for two-state solution as it imposes obstacles to establish independent Palestinian state on the borders of June 4th. Stressing on total rejection for one-state with two systems policy and insisting on the two-state solution to achieve peace.
Also he pointed, conflict takes several forms most notably conflict over land and defending identity, referring to the increase in settlements after 1948 and focus on changing geographical reality in the West Bank and Jerusalem since 1967. Also mentioned history of Zionist movement and the support it received to establish the occupying state.
He explained, what is happening in Jerusalem; confiscation, Judaize and separation wall especially during the last few years is illegal armed robbery according to The Hague Court which states the illegality of separation wall, settlement and remove them and compensation the affected. About 1948 Palestinians suffering, there is an escalation by the government latest demolitions were in Umm Al-Hieran, Qalanswa and Al-Araqib, which exceeded 100 demolitions in a short period of time. Adding, dozens of houses in 1948 occupied lands threatened to be demolished at any moment, stressing that racism is an international crime threatens world peace and security and the 1948 Palestinians lives in an environment filled with racism and discrimination.
He mentioned steps to support the 1948 Palestinians, including launch international day to support their rights, which was launched on January 30, 2016. Pointing, this day reflects Palestinian people unity wherever they are, in which highlights discrimination, confiscation and demolition that the 1948 Palestinians suffer from. Also referring to events carried out both at inside and abroad to convey the message to the world.
Ghonaim stressed on importance of unity, cohesion and integration of presence to confront the Zionist project. Also work on all areas supporting citizens and their stabilization, noting importance of publics’ effort and peaceful resistance development, calling media to expose Israeli practices.
The lecture was concluded with a Q&A segment
