In a press release issued recently, Amnesty International called on Israel to uphold Palestinians’ human rights, focusing particularly on the right to return. The statement pointed to the ongoing forced displacement of Palestinian refugees and the destruction of their properties, attributing this both to the war in Gaza and Israel’s policies towards Palestinians.
Palestinians in Rafah are facing a rise in forced displacement due to an expected Israeli invasion and intensifying operations on land and air. In fact, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees reported that over six hundred thousand of Gaza’s population was displaced in the week leading up to their report. Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International Senior Director for Research Advocacy Policy and Campaigns, stressed the urgent need to uphold Palestinians’ right to return. She criticized Israel’s system of apartheid, which includes discriminatory land possession policies and denial of rights that expose Palestinians to increasing risks of genocide and famine.
The right to return, as stated in Article 13(2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, pertains to the ability of Palestinians displaced from their homes due to conflict, to return to their original residences. However, Israel’s ongoing war, security concerns, and general foreign policy towards Palestine have consistently inhibited the realization of the Palestinians’ right to return. This issue dates back to the formation of Israel in 1948 when nearly one million Palestinians were forcibly displaced to make way for the newly forming Jewish state.
Finally, Amnesty International has urged international intervention to prevent further displacement of individuals and for a permanent ceasefire solution to be sought by both parties. These calls come at a critical time, as Nakba Day (the anniversary of Palestinians vacating their lands for Israel) draws near, giving rise to protests against the ongoing conflict and Israel’s broader policies regarding Palestine.
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