“Palestinian Leadership, Not External Forces, Will Determine Its People’s Future” says Ambassador at Pan-African Parliament
Delivering the statement on Palestine at the Pan-African Parliament Sitting of Permanent Committees today, the Ambassador of Palestine H.E. Hannah Jarrar reaffirmed the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. Addressing an audience of African paliamentarians, diplomats, and African Union officials, she emphasized that Palestine’s future will be determined solely by its own people and leadership, rejecting external interference.
“We will not allow the infringement of the rights of our people that we fought for, for many years, and sacrificed our bodies to save,” Ambassador Jarrar stated firmly. “The Palestinian people will not give up their land or their sanctuaries. Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine, and our legitimate rights are non-negotiable.”
A Struggle for Survival
Ambassador Jarrar lamented the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which she says continues to face severe restrictions imposed by Israeli forces. She highlighted that the importation of fuel, medical supplies, and basic necessities remains blocked, exacerbating the suffering of the Palestinian population.
“Despite the so-called ceasefire, Israel’s occupation forces have intensified their attacks. More than 100 Palestinian civilians have been killed in recent weeks, and over 40,000 have been displaced from refugee camps in the West Bank,” she said, describing the dire conditions.
She also accused Israel of deliberately destroying refugee camps, asserting that this strategy aims to erase the political and geographical identity of Palestinian communities. “The occupation’s goal is clear: to end the existence of Palestinian refugees by obliterating the camps that symbolize our history and resistance,” she added.
Condemnation of International Policies
Jarrar condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s previous calls for the displacement of Palestinians and attempts to terminate the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
“Trump encouraged Israel to wipe Gaza off the map. His administration pushed for the displacement of our people under the guise of security,” she stated. “We strongly reject any attempt to force Palestinians out of their homeland, whether to Jordan, Egypt, or any other country.”
She further criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for proposing that a Palestinian state be established on Saudi Arabian land, calling the idea “an insult to Palestinian sovereignty and a rejection of our historical roots.”
International Support and Legal Action
The ambassador praised African nations for their unwavering support of Palestine, particularly their stance at the recent African Union Summit, where leaders condemned Israeli aggression. She called for increased legal action, urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to hold Israel accountable for what she described as “crimes against humanity.”
“The world has witnessed mass extermination in Gaza. We welcome South Africa’s initiative in establishing the Lahai Group, a coalition of nations committed to pursuing legal, diplomatic, and economic measures against Israeli violations of international law,” she said. The group, which includes South Africa, Namibia, Senegal, Malaysia, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, and Belize, aims to coordinate legal accountability efforts.
She also expressed gratitude to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for his speech in support of Palestine during the Parliament’s opening session. “South Africa knows the pain of apartheid and occupation. We stand together in the fight for justice,” she declared.
A Call for Global Solidarity
Jarrar urged international bodies, including the United Nations and the African Parliament, to support Palestine’s struggle through legal and diplomatic means. She also called for an end to normalization with Israel until it ceases its occupation.
“Our cause is not just a Palestinian issue; it is a human rights issue. It is time for the world to stand firmly on the side of justice,” she emphasized.
The ambassador concluded her speech with a call for unity and resistance, reminding the audience of the significance of the upcoming Nakba anniversary on May 15.
“Palestine is not a bargaining chip. It is our homeland, and we will never relinquish it,” she declared. “Long live Africa, long live Palestine, and long live the freedom of the world.”
