6 Things About Palestine’s 'Independence Day' You Must Know About
November 15 is the anniversary of Yasser Arafat’s declaration of statehood for Palestine in 1988
Thirty-six years ago, Arafat, former Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) leader, declared the Palestinian Declaration of Independence in Algeria, marking a crucial step in the Palestinian quest for recognized statehood
This declaration led to Palestine’s recognition as a state by 146 countries and underscored the Palestinians’ right to self-determination
Here are 6 things to know about Palestine’s ‘Independence Day’
Motivations behind the declaration
According to legal experts, the declaration was driven by two main motivations: the right to self-determination and the need to establish a state to protect Palestinians from potential annihilation by Israel
Statehood as a lifeline
Today, Palestine holds observer state status at the UN and has joined key international treaties. Boyle stated that Palestinian statehood is crucial for their survival, providing authority, protection, and access to international legal platforms, like supporting South Africa’s genocide lawsuit against Israel
UN membership & historical precedent
Boyle argued that no UN member state has ever been destroyed, citing his work in Bosnia to prevent the loss of statehood
Despite pressure from the US, which continues to block European countries from recognizing Palestine, statehood remains a crucial lifeline for the Palestinian people
Legacy of the Treaty of Lausanne
John Quigley highlighted the 1988 declaration as positioning the PLO as the government of Palestine, referencing the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, which established Palestine’s sovereignty
US influence & recognition process
Both Boyle and Quigley noted that US opposition continues to block full Palestinian recognition
However, Quigley argued that if the US officially recognised Palestine, other countries would follow suit, emphasising the importance of global recognition for Palestine’s diplomatic efforts
Impact of recognition
Increased recognition of Palestine strengthens its global position, allowing diplomatic relations and supporting its claims to occupied territories
While recognition doesn’t end the occupation, it contributes to a peaceful resolution by signaling international support for Palestinian sovereignty and opposing Israeli annexation efforts