The Palestinian Cause: A Test of Global Conscience and Legitimacy of the International System

Author: د. فيصل خزعل

The Palestinian cause is not merely a dispute over land or a fleeting border conflict; rather, it is a matter of conscience and will, serving as the benchmark against which the credibility of the international community and its commitment to the treaties and resolutions it establishes are measured. How can the world demand respect for international law and human rights while the most basic rights of the Palestinian people are violated under the very dome of the United Nations? This is a tragic paradox that exposes the double standards and reveals a deep crisis within the existing global system.

The deprivation of the representatives of the Palestinian people, who hold the status of "observer state" in the United Nations under Resolution 67/19 of 2012, from participating in the proceedings of the General Assembly is not merely a technical procedure or an administrative error; it is a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Article one of the charter explicitly states the right of all peoples to self-determination, while Article nine affirms the right of all members and observers to participate in the works of the General Assembly.

Moreover, this prohibition contradicts the headquarters agreement signed between the United Nations and the United States, under which the host country is obliged to ensure unhindered access for all diplomatic representatives.

In fact, this action sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the entire global governance system, as a host country could prevent representatives of any people from accessing the United Nations headquarters according to its political whims. This is not just a violation of international law; it is a blow to the legitimacy of the international organization itself, which is supposed to be a platform for dialogue and justice, not a battleground for narrow political conflicts.

At this critical juncture, the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation must shift from condemnation and denunciation to action and tangible measures. What is the value of statements and speeches if they are not translated into practical steps? The Arab and Islamic world is called upon today more than ever to raise the ceiling of its demands and take decisive actions, including:

· Calling for an emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly in accordance with Resolution 377 (D-5) known as "Uniting for Peace" to discuss the host state's violations of the headquarters agreement.

· Submitting an urgent request to the International Court of Justice for an urgent advisory opinion regarding the legality of preventing Palestinian representatives, relying on the precedent of the advisory opinion on the separation wall in 2004.

· Establishing a joint Arab-Islamic legal committee to follow up on the issue in all international forums, and to develop a comprehensive legal strategy to respond to any attempts to marginalize the Palestinian cause.

· Enhancing practical solidarity with the Palestinian people by supporting its national institutions and backing peaceful resistance projects against the occupation.

History will not forgive those who stand by idly in the face of violations, nor will it pardon those who are silent in the face of injustice. The Palestinian cause is a central issue for all Arab and Islamic nations, and it is not merely about one people's struggle. Uniting ranks and taking effective legal and political measures is the strongest weapon to confront policies of marginalization and impunity.

So, will we act today before it is too late, or will we remain waiting for a day when it will be said about us that we witnessed the injustice and remained silent? This is the question that awaits a tangible answer on the ground, not just in conference halls.