Palestinian self determination is a prominent concern for British Arabs. British Arabs are a complex demographic with varied views across the political spectrum. The BAA is therefore dedicating a programme of work on the conflict. This will ensure that British Arabs are spoken to, that their views are fairly represented on the conflict, and that Britain constructively contributes to a fair and lasting resolution of the conflict.
Why does the BAA talk about Palestine?
Self determination for Palestinians and ending the occupation is a key concern for an overwhelming majority of British Arabs. All countries in the Middle East and North Africa have been affected by the displacement of more than 750,000 Palestinians in 1948 and the continued lack of justice and safety for Palestinians. The network effects of the Palestinian diasporic displacement also means that many British Arabs know Palestinians and have heard stories of dispossession first hand.
British Arabs tend to feel a great deal of empathy for Palestinians in Israel and the Occupied Territories whom they see are discriminated against (including in the application of Israeli law), and attacked (by settlers and the State) in Palestinian territories due to their race. British Arabs are also concerned about the maligning of support for Palestinian self-determination and anti-war protests in the UK.
Following the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023, the Israeli army’s assault on Gaza and state-sanctioned attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank (as on 27 May 2024), the conflict has become an even greater fixture of political discourse and a concern for an increasing number of British citizens, not just British Arabs.
BAA polling shows that British Arabs do not find their views faithfully represented in the public sphere. With this being such a prominent concern for British Citizens in general and British Arabs specifically, the BAA will continue to focus on highlighting British Arab sentiment and advocating for a resolution of the conflict.
What is the BAA’s position on self-determination for Palestinians?
The BAA believes in equality and self-determination for all people, regardless of race and background. These are universal human rights, not to be granted at any personal or state whims. The BAA does not believe that self-determination for one group must come at the expense of another.
The BAA believes that ultimately Palestinians and Israelis (Jewish and non-Jewish) must determine their futures together as equals and in full respect of all principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and the Geneva Convention.
What is the BAA’s comment on the current war in Gaza and attacks in the West Bank?
The BAA denounces occupation, displacement and violence in Gaza, and the West Bank, and calls for an immediate ceasefire and opening of all crossings with unrestricted aid and trade access into Gaza.
The BAA is supportive of international mechanisms in the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court that hold all belligerents to account for war crimes and believes that the UK and others must uphold the rule of law equally.
The BAA also supports the return of all hostages to their homes, including all 100 Israeli hostages and the thousands of Palestinians held under administrative detention without charge by the Israeli government.
What should Britain do?
British Arabs largely believe that the UK maintains a weak and uncritical stance towards the Israeli government. Many see the UK’s Palestine exceptionalism, i.e. the refusal to recognise the Palestinian state or acknowledge Palestinian rights to self-determination, as being out of line with the UK’s policies on other conflicts.
Across the political spectrum, British Arabs see the UK’s weakness on Israel / Palestine as an abdication of the country’s responsibility as a colonial power. They believe the UK’s position undermines international law and makes the UK weaker, and they believe that Palestine exceptionalism to be a continuation of prejudicial anti-Arab policies.
The BAA also understands that successive UK government and multilateral institutions have over the last 15 years largely ignored the Israel/Palestine war; they have not engaged in serious or sincere efforts to resolve the conflict.
The BAA does not believe that a conflict ignored is a conflict resolved. The BAA therefore unequivocally calls on any UK government to recognise a sovereign and independent State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, to catalyse change in the status quo. The BAA welcomes the 143 out of 193 member states of the United Nations who have recognised the Palestinian State, including the recent additions of Spain, Norway and Ireland.