The Palestinian Community Association in Britain Organizes a Parliamentary Session on "Palestinian Women Under Occupation"

Sada News - The Palestinian Community Association in the United Kingdom organized an important parliamentary session in the British House of Commons on Sunday, July 7, 2025, titled "Amplifying the Voice of Palestinian Women Under Occupation," as part of its ongoing efforts to highlight the suffering of the Palestinian people, especially women who face compounded challenges under Israeli occupation, particularly amidst the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The session saw broad attendance from Members of Parliament from various political parties, reflecting the growing interest in the Palestinian cause within British political circles. Notably, there was active participation from members of the Liberal Democrats, known for their pro-Palestinian stances and continuous calls for a two-state solution and the recognition of an independent State of Palestine. This significant session was overseen by two main committees from the Palestinian Community Association in the United Kingdom: The Parliamentary and Political Affairs Committee, chaired by Mr. Samah Habib, which works to enhance communication with British political institutions and convey the Palestinian community’s voice to decision-makers in the British Parliament. The Women’s Committee, chaired by media professional Ms. Mai Abed, focuses on Palestinian women’s issues and works to highlight their roles and sufferings amidst the difficult circumstances they face under occupation, especially in Gaza, and the General Union of Palestinian Students in Britain. This cooperation aligns with the overarching vision of the Palestinian Community Association in the United Kingdom, which aims to strengthen the Palestinian community in Britain and deepen ties with the Palestinian diaspora and Palestine, while preserving Palestinian identity and promoting Palestinian cultural heritage. The session featured diverse and rich participation, including a group of British Members of Parliament from different political parties, reflecting the bipartisan interest in the Palestinian issue. Active participation was noted from members of the Liberal Democrats, who hold clear positions in favor of Palestinian rights and call for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders. A group of Palestinian women participated in the session, providing impactful live testimonies about their personal experiences and the challenges they face under Israeli occupation. These direct testimonies added a profound human dimension to the session and helped convey the lived reality of Palestinian women, particularly amidst genocide, to the attending Members of Parliament. The session focused on the multiple and complex challenges faced by Palestinian women under the ongoing Israeli occupation that has lasted for decades. Different dimensions of the suffering of Palestinian women were highlighted, including economic and social challenges, restrictions on movement, violence, and violations. The session showcased the pivotal role that Palestinian women play in popular resistance and preserving national identity. Beyond their participation in national resistance, Palestinian women are clearly prominent in social work with a national character, through their roles in education, healthcare, and the preservation of Palestinian cultural heritage. The session also addressed the profound psychological impact of the occupation on Palestinian women, especially in light of the current situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Women face immense psychological pressure due to the loss of security and stability, the destruction of infrastructure, and the lack of basic services. The participation of members of the Liberal Democrats in the session affirmed the party’s commitment to supporting Palestinian rights. The party adopts clear positions that include calls for a two-state solution, recognition of the State of Palestine, lifting the siege on Gaza, and opposing settlement construction. The session resulted in a set of significant demands and recommendations aimed at improving the status of Palestinian women and protecting their rights by enhancing legal protections and activating international protection mechanisms for Palestinian women within the framework of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions. They emphasized accountability and justice, demanding accountability for perpetrators of violations against Palestinian women and ensuring their access to justice. The development of humanitarian support was also recommended through increasing humanitarian assistance allocated to women and children in the occupied Palestinian territories. Participants recommended the continuation of diplomatic pressure to halt violations against Palestinian women and provide support for women’s organizations, increasing awareness campaigns and education, and enhancing awareness programs in British society regarding the status of Palestinian women under occupation. This session gains particular significance amidst current developments in the occupied Palestinian territories and the increasing interest in the Palestinian cause within British political and popular circles. The session represents an important step in: Raising Awareness: Increasing awareness among British Members of Parliament about the specific challenges faced by Palestinian women under occupation. Building Alliances: Strengthening alliances with British political parties supportive of Palestinian rights, especially the Liberal Democrats. Influencing Policies: Contributing to shaping British policy toward the Palestinian issue by providing accurate information and direct testimonies. The Palestinian Community Association in the United Kingdom announced plans to follow up on the results of this session through: A series of events: Organizing more parliamentary sessions and awareness-raising events on various aspects of the Palestinian cause. Continuous Communication: Maintaining regular communication with interested Members of Parliament to ensure ongoing support and advocacy. Documentation and Follow-up: Documenting violations against Palestinian women and monitoring the implementation of the recommendations that emerged from the session. Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening partnerships with British and international organizations working in the field of human rights and women's rights. The Palestinian Community Association in the United Kingdom emphasizes that this session represents part of ongoing efforts to convey the voice of the Palestinian people to the international community and decision-makers. The association expresses its gratitude to all British Members of Parliament who participated in the session and showed genuine interest in the suffering of Palestinian women under occupation. It also commends the important role played by the Liberal Democrats in supporting Palestinian rights and advocating for their just cause in the British Parliament and international forums.