International Day of Palestinian Citizens of Israel

On Monday 30 January 2017, the Embassy of the State of Palestine to Zimbabwe and the High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens in Israel commemorate the ‘International Day for Supporting the Rights of the Palestinian Citizens of Israel’ and called upon the International Community to combat the continued attack on the fundamental rights of the Arab citizens in Israel. The Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy and other various activists attended the main event held at Prince Edward High School.

The Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel are part of the victims of the Nakba. More than 153 000 Palestinians remained within Israel in 1948 and became citizens of the state.  About 1.2 million Palestinian Israelis, who make up 20 percent of Israel’s population have second-class citizenship within Israel, which defines itself as a Jewish state rather than a state for all its citizens. These citizens have continued to face racism and repression under the Israeli territories.

Thousands of Palestinians are denied equal rights by the state of Israel under a system of apartheid, a deliberate policy of racial or ethnic segregation. Under Israeli military occupation, thousands of Palestinians live in conditions which closely resemble the apartheid system that existed in South Africa. Palestinians continue to live in abject poverty, defined as income of $2 or less per day. By contrast, Israelis enjoy an average per capita income of nearly $60 per day.

The movie which was played at the occasion clearly indicated that the segregatory  laws which were passed under the Apartheid regime in South Africa are a replica of the laws which had been passed by the Israeli government to marginalize and use brutality against the Palestinian people.  

We reiterate urgent calls to the International community to act forthwith to compel Israel to comply with its legal obligations, relevant United Nations resolutions and international commitments and to cease completely its violations of International law and its Illegal, aggressive and destructive policies and practices.

A two-state solution is absolutely vital for not only peace between Israelis and Palestinians but for the long-term security of Israel as a democratic and Jewish state.

Long Live the State of Palestine!!