During the opening ceremony of its Permanent Committees Sitting, the legislative body of the African Union, renewed support for the two-state solution as the only viable solution to the ‘conflict’ and realize the establishment of an independent, sovereign, viable and geographically contiguous Palestinian state based on the 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international law.

The PAP affirmed its absolute rejection of all violations of international law and international humanitarian law, and therefore condemned any attempt to forcibly displace or transfer the Palestinian people under any circumstances, whether from the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

It stressed the urgent need to step up international efforts to put an end to the historic suffering and injustice that have befallen our Palestinian people and guarantee their inalienable rights in line with international law.

It voiced concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip due to the Israeli aggression, and called for concerted international efforts toward the full and immediate implementation of the cease fire agreement and the commencement of a new phase of early recovery and reconstruction while guaranteeing that Palestinians would remain on their land.

Ambassador of Palestine, Hannah Jarrar, reaffirmed the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. Addressing an audience of African parliamentarians, diplomats, and African Union officials, she emphasized that Palestine’s future will be determined solely by its own people and leadership, rejecting external interference.

“We will not allow the infringement of the rights of our people that we fought for, for many years, and sacrificed our bodies to save,” Ambassador Jarrar stated firmly. “The Palestinian people will not give up their land or their sanctuaries. Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine, and our legitimate rights are non-negotiable.”

Ambassador Jarrar lamented the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which she says continues to face severe restrictions imposed by Israeli occupation forces. She highlighted that the importation of fuel, medical supplies, and basic necessities remains blocked, exacerbating the suffering of the Palestinian population.

“Despite the so-called ceasefire, Israel’s occupation forces have intensified their attacks. More than 100 Palestinian civilians have been killed in recent weeks, and over 40,000 have been displaced from refugee camps in the West Bank,” she said, describing the dire conditions.

Jarrar condemned United States President Donald Trump’s previous calls for the displacement of Palestinians and attempts to terminate the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

“Trump encouraged Israel to wipe Gaza off the map. His administration pushed for the displacement of our people under the guise of security,” she stated. “We strongly reject any attempt to force Palestinians out of their homeland, whether to Jordan, Egypt, or any other country.”

She further criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for proposing that a Palestinian state be established on Saudi Arabian land, calling the idea “an insult to Palestinian sovereignty and a rejection of our historical roots.”

The ambassador praised African nations for their unwavering support of Palestine, particularly their stance at the recent African Union Summit, where leaders condemned Israeli aggression. She called for increased legal action, urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to hold Israel accountable for what she described as “crimes against humanity.”

She also expressed gratitude to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for his speech in support of Palestine during the Parliament’s opening session. “South Africa knows the pain of apartheid and occupation. We stand together in the fight for justice,” she declared.

“Our cause is not just a Palestinian issue; itis a human rights issue. Itis time for the world to stand firmly on the side of justice,” she emphasized. “Palestine is not a bargaining chip. It is our homeland, and we will never relinquish it,” she declared.