The Trump administration’s announcement – that they do not regard settlements as inconsistent with international law – disregards the entire international legal framework for a just solution for Israel and Palestine.  This is another attempt by Trump to rewrite the rule-book.

Israel’s settlement building has the explicit aim of undermining the establishment of a Palestinian State, and the world has been united in condemning this since the 1960s. Settlements are a clear breach of the Fourth Geneva Conventions which prohibit transferring a population into an Occupied area. This legal situation has been confirmed by the International Court of Justice, the UN General Assembly, and the International Committee of the Red Cross. In 2016 the UN Security Council stated settlements are a “flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to the vision of two States living side-by-side in peace and security, within internationally recognized borders”.

APAN has announced its next study tour starting 26 January 2020 – bookings are limited and are open now!

APAN’s unique study tours witness, share and learn about Palestine and the Palestinian people through interactions with Palestinian and Israeli communities and experts, Australian Ambassadors, United Nations officials, human rights organisations, visits to Australian-funded aid projects and much more.  If you want to learn about the myriad contemporary – and historical – issues of the modern Middle East, this Study Tour is for you.

APAN has noted with significant concern the public attacks on UNRWA – who provide basic services to Palestinian refugees. An Opinion Piece published in The Australian newspaper on the 18/9 however was full of so many misrepresentations, unsubstantiated allegations and factual errors that we felt a need to respond! Below is both our infographic shared on social media and a response we sent to The Australian.

Dr. Salman Abu Sitta is the founder and President of the Palestine Land Society, and has published the comprehensive Atlas of Palestine – showing the Palestinian landscape before 1948. Dr Abu Sitta is a survivor of the Palestinian Nakba and has a powerful personal story.

ADELAIDE: 5 October, 5.30pm
Edward Said Memorial Lecture: The right of return is the only key for peace,

MELBOURNE: 7 October, 6pm
Palestinian Right of Return – An empty promise or real possibility?

SYDNEY: 9 October, 6.45pm
BDS for the Right of Return – Why?

CANBERRA: 14 Oct, 6.45pm
The Key for Peace in Palestine and Israel: The Right of Return

AUCKLAND: 17 Oct, 7pm
University of Auckland

Dr Abu Sitta’s tour is hosted by the Australian Friends of Palestine Association.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the APAN Annual Dinner to be the wonderful success that it was.

All the photos of the event are now available here.