Spirituality and Peace Building: Understanding the Palestine-Israel Conflict
Institute of Spirituality in Asia’s public lecture on “Spirituality and Peace Building: Understanding the Palestine-Israel Conflict” with Atty. Aaron Pedrosa as resource speaker.
The public lecture focused on the Palestine-Israel conflict. The discussion highlighted the importance of communication in achieving peace and the inevitability of conflict. The speaker, Attorney Aaron Pedrosa, detailed the historical and contemporary issues, including the displacement of Palestinians during the Nakba, the expansion of Israeli settlements, and the recent Hamas-Israel conflict. Pedrosa emphasized the need for a ceasefire, humanitarian relief, and the dismantling of illegal settlements. The session concluded with a call for international support to end the occupation and promote lasting peace.
Atty. Pedrosa is currently the Secretary-General of Sanlakas, a nationwide, multisectoral coalition of grassroots and sectoral organizations fighting for genuine democracy. He is concurrently a member of the Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM) Advisory Council, representing Sanlakas.
Attorney Aaron Pedrosa’s Presentation
- Attorney Aaron Pedrosa begins his presentation, titled “The Quest for Peace in the Middle East: Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.”
- He discusses the biblical Israel and its historical context, noting the discrepancies between the modern-day Israel and the Israel of the Bible.
- Atty. Aaron explains the role of imperialism, particularly British imperialism, in shaping the modern-day Israel and the promises made to Jewish leaders.
- He highlights the Sykes-Picot Agreement and the Balfour Declaration, which set the stage for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine.
Historical Context and Conflict Dynamics
- Atty. Aaron delves into the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the displacement of Palestinians during the Nakba.
- He discusses the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories and the worsening conditions in Gaza, including the blockade and the impact of Israeli settlements.
- The presentation covers the recent Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military response, highlighting the disproportionate impact on Palestinian civilians.
- Atty. Aaron emphasizes the importance of international law and the role of the International Court of Justice in addressing the conflict.
International Response and Humanitarian Issues
- Atty. Aaron discusses the international response to the conflict, including the US Senate’s commitment to provide fresh funding to Israel.
- He highlights the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 30,000 people killed and significant damage to infrastructure and social institutions.
- The presentation covers the role of the United Nations and the International Criminal Court in addressing the conflict and the potential for a ceasefire.
- Atty. Aaron calls for an immediate ceasefire, unconditional humanitarian relief, and the dismantling of illegal settlements in the West Bank.