Global Coalition Against Occupation to Launch in Istanbul: A New Initiative for Palestinian Rights
International Forum Gathers Activists and Leaders to Unite Efforts Against Israeli Occupation and Advocate for Palestinian Self-Determination.
Watan-The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad is organizing an international forum in Istanbul, Turkey, next Saturday to announce the establishment and launch of a global coalition to oppose the occupation of Palestine and affirm the Palestinian people’s right to achieve their legitimate rights and self-determination.
The coalition aims to bolster international efforts to support the Palestinian cause, hold Israel accountable for its genocidal war against the Palestinian people, and create a unified platform to coordinate efforts and amplify the voices of those supporting Palestinian rights.
The conference will commence on January 25 and run for two days, featuring various discussion sessions and preparatory workshops to lay the foundation for launching this global coalition.
This forum comes in the context of the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip, which took effect last Sunday. The agreement follows an Israeli offensive lasting nearly 470 days that resulted in more than 46,000 deaths, around 111,000 injuries, and an unknown number of missing individuals trapped under the rubble of their homes.
Objectives of the Coalition
According to Seri Zaiter, head of the preparatory committee for the conference, this international forum is being held “in the context of the unjust war waged by the Zionists against Palestine and Gaza, to establish a comprehensive coordinating platform among various groups and movements supporting the Palestinian people through demonstrations, protests, parliaments, and journalistic articles.”
In an interview with Al Jazeera Net, Zaiter added, “We aim to strengthen the global popular front, including unions, parliaments, journalists, students, and universities, to create pressure on Western governments to amend their policies and recognize the Palestinian people’s rights to freedom and resistance against aggression.” He emphasized that “the occupation is the root of the ongoing problem in our region.”
Meanwhile, Ziad Al-Aloul, spokesperson for the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, stated that this coalition has been in preparation for months, even before the ceasefire in Gaza. He explained that the coalition seeks to leverage the popular mobilization and widespread sympathy in Western societies following the crimes and genocide committed by the occupation. “Our goal is to end the occupation,” he said.
Speaking to Al Jazeera Net, Al-Aloul noted that the coalition is an initiative proposed by the Popular Conference and will be attended by representatives from 32 countries and around 50 prominent figures. Once launched, the coalition will become an independent entity with its own objectives. Many institutions are expected to join as members, allowing the coalition to extend its reach globally. Once the coalition is officially established, the conference’s role as an initiator will conclude.
gainst genocide and military actions
Preliminary Meeting
Regarding the conference’s agenda and the issues to be discussed, the head of the preparatory committee stated that this forum serves as a “preliminary meeting” focusing on three key areas:
- A workshop to outline the coalition’s framework, expected structure, expansion, leadership, and organization.
- Developing a foundational document, work system, coordination mechanisms, and a roadmap for near-future actions.
- Officially announcing the launch of the global coalition against occupation and holding a press conference.
The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad was established on February 25, 2017, in Istanbul, through a large gathering of over 6,000 Palestinians from around the world. Its mission is to activate the role of Palestinians abroad in political participation and national decision-making.
