AMP Conference: Palestinian Rights, International Law, Zionist Claims

During the session, “Palestinian Rights, International Law, and Zionist Claims,” discussed the ways in which international law can be used to counter claims against the Palestinians right to their land.

Tarek Khalil, a Illinois attorney, spoke about how Israel’s admittance to the UN means that they should have to meet their obligations as a member and comply with previous resolutions by granting Palestinians the right of return and full equality. He also pointed out the fact that Israel is a “Jewish state” where those who are considered part of the Jewish nationality are given special privileges that members of other nationalities, particularly Palestinians, do not receive.

Othman Atta, a Wisconsin attorney, described how there has been attempts by the Palestinian Authority to take Israel to the International Criminal Court but all of them were stopped when Israel threatened the PA.

Atta also spoke about how it’s important to connect the Palestinian struggle for liberation with other struggles for liberation and other oppressed communities here in the U.S.

The conversation then shifted to the way that Palestine is perceived negatively in U.S culture and how activists need to work to change that through divestment campaigns and education.