ISLAMABAD: The Center for Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute for Strategic Studies (ISSI) in collaboration with the Middle East Monitor (MEMO) held a webinar titled “Prospects of the Future” to mark World Refugee Day. Palestinian refugees. This webinar was moderated by Mrs. Amina Khan, Director, CAMEA, speakers in the webinar included Ambassador Sohail Mahmoud, Director General of ISSI, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, BoSI, Chairman, ISSI; Dr. Salman Abu Sitta, founder and president of the Palestinian Authority, Dr. Nader Al-Turk, representative of the Palestinian state, and Prof. Nur Masalha, Palestinian historian.
DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood stressed the need to recognize the indomitable spirit of refugees. He explained how Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees since 1979 and remains a major host country despite economic challenges. Global displacement due to conflicts in Gaza, Sudan and Myanmar is expected to reach 117.3 million people in 2023, including 1.7 million Palestinians displaced by the Israeli war, according to the UN ICRC. He described the Palestinian refugee crisis as one of the ongoing humanitarian problems since Israel’s illegal occupation and inhumane treatment. Despite overwhelming odds, dozens of Palestinian refugees have shown remarkable resilience over the years. On World Refugee Day, Ambassador Sohail Mahmoud called for solidarity with Palestinian refugees and other refugees, and told the international community what Palestine must seize by addressing the causes of displacement, ensuring basic refugee rights and helping refugees rebuild their lives. it is true.
Ms. Amina Khan drew attention to the Palestinian refugee crisis since 1948 due to Israel’s continuous occupation and oppression. He said the reign of terror in Palestine has led to displacement that can only be described as genocide. refugee right to return. He said the Palestinians have shown determination and patience despite ongoing Israeli atrocities. Ms Khan added that continued violence fueled resistance and called on Palestinians to return to an independent homeland with Jerusalem as its capital.
Dr. Salman Abu Sitta said that the problem of Palestinian refugees focuses on the occupation of Israel by several countries, affirming the right of refugees to return despite the occupation of Israel. He said international law is on the side of Palestinian refugees and supports the right of return. The UN points out that the ICRC does not recognize all refugees and calls for future plans with the voice of refugees. Dr Sitta called for global university protests and civil society support for the Palestinian cause, South Africa’s contribution to the case against Israel, and more efforts by Muslim and Arab countries.
Prof. Noor Masalha focuses on understanding the history of Palestine and focuses on the Nakba of 1948 and the ongoing expulsions. He noted that Palestinians never left their homes voluntarily and were forcibly evicted by the occupation forces. He also stressed that international law supports the right of return and the empowerment of refugees. He argued that Israel’s refusal invalidates the concept of voluntary exile and separates individual rights from collective determination. He said, the problem of refugees is central and should be pressed together with self-determination because both complement each other.
Dr. Nader Al-Turk said that since 1948, the number of Palestinian refugees has increased, Israel is ignoring UN resolutions and targeting UNRWA. He noted the impact of Trump’s 2018 funding freeze and the displacement of 500 villages. He called for international efforts to solve the refugee crisis and hold Israel accountable.
Dr. Daud Abdullah emphasized the right of return to the refugees, emphasizing the issue of repatriation, property restoration and compensation. Noting that historical agreements did not provide a just solution to the refugee problem, he said that political agreements should protect the rights of refugees in accordance with international law. He also said that there is no conflict between the right of return and self-determination, and that the two are complementary.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmoud lamented UNRWA’s chronic underfunding and called for addressing the root causes, refugee repatriation, property restitution and reparations. He called for unity among the refugees, to press the work more sincerely and energetically.
