Delegation calls on the international community to prevent escalation
The Mossawa Center's delegation conducted a series of high-level meetings in Europe last two weeks, engaging with members of the European Parliament, diplomats from the European Union, and representatives from numerous European Ministries of Foreign Affairs. These meetings marked an intensified international effort over the past two weeks to raise awareness about the dangerous schemes of Israeli government members Itamar Ben Gvir and Smotrich, who seek to ignite war through incitement against the Palestinian community, deepening discrimination, promoting legal coupe, expanding occupation, and forced population transfers.
During these meetings, the Solidarity delegation discussed their concerns regarding the risks and challenges faced by the current far-right government. Emphasizing the importance of safeguarding human rights and promoting peace in the region, the delegation called upon the European Union to take decisive action to prevent crisis and promote peace and reconciliation.
The esteemed members of the delegation included Nurit Hajjaj, Chairwoman of Mizrahi Democratic Rainbow Coalition; Elena Shafran, the Russian editor of the "Sowtna" website; journalist Ran Edilist; Jafar Farah, Director of the Mossawa Center; and Ibrahim Khaliliye, the Mossawa Center's International Media Coordinator.
Throughout their visit to Brussels, the delegation actively participated in productive discussions, including meetings with ten members of the European Parliament from various political parties, as well as sessions with representatives from 17 European Union member states. They also organized sessions with the European Commission and the EEAS. Furthermore, the delegation held meetings with supportive Belgian parliament members who advocate for their cause and had a working session with the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the current situation, risks, intervention possibilities, and potential collaborations with the rotating presidency of the European Union.
The Mossawa had a session with the Middle East team at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and upcoming visits by the Dutch delegation were planned.
Additionally, the director of the Mossawa held a session with the advisor to the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, with plans to continue communication in the near future. He also met with the team of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with numerous stakeholders who are collaborating with them. They met with French solidarity organizations, agreeing to intensify grassroots activities.
Furthermore, Mossawa was invited to address the French Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, with the participation of the banned Palestinian Association "Union of Agricultural Work Committees." The delegation obtained clear statements of support from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee against the expulsion of six Palestinian associations, backing the Palestinian organizations' position.
Significant meetings with the OECD team monitoring the Israeli economy which will have a long-term impact on the state budget allocation for the Arab community.
The Solidarity delegation's international activities reflect their commitment to safeguarding human rights, promoting peace, and countering discriminatory policies. By strengthening collaborations with European Union representatives, foreign ministries, parliament members, and solidarity organizations, they aim to raise global awareness and encourage decisive actions.