With the meeting of Donald Trump with Benjamin Netanyahu dominating many headlines this week, a petition has been launched for the United Kingdom to lead peace efforts in Palestine,[1] due to its historical role in the catastrophe and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Palestine.
It comes 100 years after the infamous 1917 “Balfour Declaration” for which the petition demands the UK apologise. The Balfour Declaration was the letter favouring “the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people,” which historically eventually led to the European occupation of much of Palestine in the name of the “Jewish State of Israel” triggering the displacement of the Palestinian people.
The importance of demanding for an apology is highlighted by the fact that the UK has reportedly invited Netanyahu to celebrate it, described as “a new slap for Palestinians” by rights groups.[2]
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The petition reads,
We call on Her Majesty’s Government to openly apologise to the Palestinian people for issuing the Balfour Declaration. The colonial policy of Britain between 1917-1948 led to mass displacement of the Palestinian nation.
HMG should recognise its role during the Mandate and now must lead attempts to reach a solution that ensures justice for the Palestinian people.
The petition can be read here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/184398
Source: www.islam21c.com
Notes:
[1] https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/184398
[2] https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170211-inviting-netanyahu-to-celebrate-balfour-in-london-a-new-slap-for-palestinians/