The Arab League has called on Britain and the international community to increase pressure on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories and establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. This appeal was made on the 109th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, a statement issued by British Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour on November 2, 1917, expressing support for the establishment of a Jewish national home in Palestine.
The Arab League's General Secretariat stated that the Balfour Declaration was a pivotal moment in the historical trajectory that led to the displacement and denial of rights to the Palestinian people. The declaration's legacy continues to be felt today, with ongoing Israeli violations against Palestinians. The League praised the Palestinian people's resilience and commitment to their land and inalienable rights, including self-determination and an end to Israeli occupation.
The Arab League emphasized that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with sovereignty, and East Jerusalem as its capital, is a legitimate right based on international law and relevant UN resolutions, including the Arab Peace Initiative. The League welcomed steps taken by the British government, such as recognizing Palestine, imposing sanctions on Israeli officials, and banning imports from illegal Israeli settlements.
These measures were seen as positive developments towards rectifying the historical injustice against the Palestinian people. However, the League stressed the importance of completing the necessary procedures to implement these measures and translating them into concrete actions. The League reiterated its call for the UK and international community to pressure Israel to stop its violations and crimes against Palestinians.
The Arab League urged the international community to push for a two-state solution, with the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with sovereignty and East Jerusalem as its capital. The Balfour Declaration was a formal letter issued by the British Foreign Secretary during World War I, announcing British support for a Jewish national home in Palestine, nearly three decades before Israel's declaration of independence in 1948.
The declaration was a key milestone in the lead-up to Israel's establishment, and 1948 saw the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during the Nakba, with the refugee issue, right of return, and end of occupation becoming core files in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Arab League's statement highlighted the ongoing impact of the Balfour Declaration on the Palestinian people.
The anniversary of the Balfour Declaration serves as a reminder of the historical injustices faced by the Palestinian people and the need for a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Arab League's call for international pressure on Israel to end its occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state remains a pressing concern.
Key points
- The Arab League demands Britain and the international community pressure Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories and establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
