Dr. Ashrawi meets with a student delegation

January 18, 2018

Dr. Ashrawi meets with a student delegation from the School of Advanced International Studies

PLO Executive Committee Member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi met with graduate students from the Conflict Management Program at the School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University at the PLO Headquarters in Ramallah and welcomed them to Palestine.

Dr. Ashrawi briefed the visiting delegation on the latest political and global developments. In particular, she discussed the latest decisions by the U.S. administration and the ramifications of its irresponsible moves:

“Through a number of its actions such as declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel, relocating the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and cutting funding to UNRWA, the U.S. ended its role as an even-handed broker. By vetoing the UNSC resolution on Jerusalem, with the threats by US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley to hold countries accountable to those who voted in favor of the UNGA resolution on Jerusalem, the US has disqualified itself as an honest broker.”

Dr. Ashrawi raised examples of Israel’s continued violations of international law and stated that while the Palestinian leadership made “painful concessions” for peace, Israel used the failed “peace process” to persist in settlement expansion, annexation of Jerusalem and other violations against Palestinians. The U.S administration uses pressure, blackmail and threats against the Palestinians who are simply seeking freedom and dignity while it rewards Israel.”

She called on the students to speak up and be witnesses and advocates of the truth regarding the grave injustices facing the Palestinian people, citing examples of illegal settlement expansion, land theft, home demolition, and revocation of Jerusalem IDs: “As future leaders of America, your voice should be heard and used to shift public opinion and hold the U.S. government to account for being complicit and party to Israel’s military occupation and efforts to destroy the chances of peace.” She also urged the students to question their elected officials about the enormous funds given to Israel and the unfair legislation against the Palestinian people and their leadership.”

Dr. Ashrawi answered questions on the respective roles of the United Nations and the European Union and the need to find alternative strategies for adopting a multilateral approach to peacemaking. The meeting concluded with a discussion on the internal conditions in Palestine.

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