Global Coalition Against Palestine Occupation to Launch at Istanbul Forum
A major international forum is set to take place in Istanbul, Turkey, this Saturday, where the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad will announce the establishment of a Global Coalition Against the Occupation of Palestine. This landmark initiative aims to advocate for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and amplify global efforts to end the occupation.
The coalition’s launch comes amidst ongoing calls for accountability over what many describe as acts of genocide against Palestinians, with organisers emphasising the need for united international action to address these atrocities.
A Two-Day Forum for Global Coordination
The forum will commence on Saturday, 25 January, and span two days. It will feature discussion sessions and preparatory workshops aimed at laying the foundation for this global coalition.
The event follows the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, which ended an Israeli military campaign lasting nearly 470 days. The offensive left over 46,000 Palestinians dead, around 111,000 injured, and thousands still unaccounted for beneath the rubble of destroyed homes.
Why This Coalition is Needed Now
Sari Zaiter, head of the forum’s preparatory committee, described the coalition as a “comprehensive umbrella” that unites groups, organisations, and movements across the globe who stand in solidarity with Palestine.
“This initiative responds to the ongoing aggression in Gaza and Palestine,” Zaiter stated. “It seeks to mobilise unions, parliaments, journalists, students, and universities into a grassroots movement capable of pressuring Western governments to change their policies and recognise Palestinian rights.”
Zaiter also pointed to the Israeli occupation as the root cause of regional instability, stressing that this coalition aims to counter its impacts through coordinated international action.
Ziad Al-Aloul, spokesperson for the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, highlighted that preparations for the coalition had been ongoing for months, even before the Gaza ceasefire.
“Public sympathy for the Palestinian cause has surged in Western societies, driven by widespread outrage over the atrocities committed by the occupation. This coalition is an effort to harness that energy to achieve one ultimate goal: ending the occupation,” Al-Aloul said.
An Independent, Global Effort
The coalition will initially feature representatives from over 50 countries, operating independently with its own objectives and organisational framework. The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad will step back after the coalition is formally launched, having acted as its primary initiator.
Three Core Objectives of the Forum
According to organisers, the forum will focus on three main goals:
- Building a Unified Structure: Establishing leadership, expanding membership, and coordinating efforts among participating organisations.
- Drafting a Guiding Document: Developing the coalition’s foundational principles, operational strategies, and immediate priorities.
- Official Launch: Announcing the coalition to the global community through a high-profile press conference.
The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad: A Brief Background
Established in Istanbul on 25 February 2017, the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad brought together over 6,000 Palestinians from around the world to empower diaspora communities and enhance their role in national decision-making.
This upcoming forum is expected to be a major turning point in international advocacy for Palestinian rights, uniting diverse voices and organisations in the fight for freedom, justice, and an end to the occupation.
Read More:
ShortURL ⬇
