Lahore, The Mahbub ul Haq Research Centre (MHRC) at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) facilitated a deep dive into the Palestinian Question on February 12, 2024, featuring Dr. Nimer Sultany of SOAS University of London. The event, moderated by Dr. Osama Siddique, drew in esteemed figures such as Dr. Ali Cheema, Vice Chancellor of LUMS; Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost of LUMS; and Dr. Walther Schwarzacher, Professor and Dean of the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering.
According to Lahore University of Management Sciences, Dr. Sultany provided an incisive analysis on the systematic marginalization and control exerted over the Palestinian people, illustrating the intricate relationship between international law and global political dynamics. He stressed the importance of contextualizing the Palestinian struggle within the broader spectrum of international relations and historical events, specifically referencing the ongoing siege on Palestine and the support from the UN General Assembly for the Palestinian cause.
Dr. Sultany critiqued the conventional discourse surrounding Israel’s claim to self-defense in occupied territories, challenging the legal and moral justifications often cited in such arguments. He underscored the prohibition of genocide under international law and questioned the applicability of self-defense in the context of occupation, pointing to the inherent contradiction in using military force to perpetuate control over an occupied population.
Furthermore, Dr. Sultany delved into the dynamics of apartheid and the entrenchment of far-right ideologies within Israel’s political landscape, noting the significant influence of settlers in the West Bank and their ascension to key governmental and judicial positions. He emphasized the potential of international law as a tool to contest apartheid and political domination, albeit acknowledging its limitations and the pervasive influence of politics on legal interpretations.
The discussion also touched on the challenges of achieving meaningful ceasefire and humanitarian aid amidst the asymmetry of power and ongoing conflict. Dr. Sultany advocated for a radical de-escalation by Israel to facilitate effective aid delivery and a sustainable peace process, highlighting the critical need for compliance with international legal standards.
The event at LUMS not only offered a platform for scholarly discourse but also aimed to illuminate the nuanced complexities of the Palestinian situation, encouraging a more informed and critical engagement with one of the most enduring and contentious issues in international politics.
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