Panel Discussion on "Palestine Under Siege" - Press Release issued by Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad.

Islamabad -- May 22, 2021 (PPI-OT)

Following is the text of press release issued by Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)

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The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) had a Panel Discussion titled Palestine Under Siege today. The distinguished panel of experts included: Mr. Nader Alturk, Deputy Head of Mission / Counsellor at the Palestinian Embassy in Pakistan, Dr. Mohammad Makram Balawi, Palestinian writer and President of Asia Middle East Forum, Ambassador Javid Hafeez, Former Pakistani Diplomat, Dr. Daud Abdullah, Director Middle East Monitor (MEMO),Mr. Muhammad Oves Anwar, Director Research Society of International Law (RSIL), Dr. Nazir Hussain, Former Dean School of Politics and International Relations, QAU, Dr Bilal Ahmed, Director General Middle East Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan and Mr. Haitham Naser, Palestinian Journalist based in Islamabad, correspondent of TRT Arabic channel.

The Keynote address was given by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG ISSI. During his remarks he said that the world has witnessed yet another carnage of the Palestinians at the hands of Israeli occupying forces. He outlined how Israel's pattern of violence resurfaces every few years and said that these 'symptoms' are emblematic of a much deeper problem- the root cause of which lies in the continued Israeli occupation and the denial of rights to the Palestinians. The United Nations also recognises the right to armed struggle of people under colonial rule.

There is also a similarity in the situation with Illegally Indian Occupied Kashmir (IIoK) since Indians are also wrecking all kinds of oppression on the people of Kashmir. It is imperative that humanitarian assistance be rushed to the people of Gaza. He also said that the proposals - which have included a coalition force to provide protection to the people of Palestine- need to be fleshed out by experts. It goes without saying that the root cause needs to be addressed and that can only be through the revival of the peace process.

During her introductory remarks Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, said that the sheer magnitude of illegal, disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force, tyranny and injustice being perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces against Palestinians is appalling and jarring. Unsurprisingly, there is a deafening silence from the media which continues to eulogise Israel's stance and at the same...