Istanbul – Academics, students, human rights advocates and researchers gathered in Istanbul this week to discuss Palestine, the ongoing devastation in Gaza, the centrality of Jerusalem, and the role of international media and institutions in shaping global perceptions of the Palestinian cause.
The two-day event, titled “Cut To The Chase: Truth Beyond Borders,” was hosted at Bogazici University and brought together voices from across academia and civil society to examine the political, humanitarian and historical dimensions of the Palestinian struggle.
Palestinian Cause Beyond a Humanitarian Crisis
Speaking during the conference, Professor Sami Al-Arian of Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University stressed that the Palestinian cause should not be reduced to a humanitarian issue alone.
He argued that the Palestinian struggle is fundamentally rooted in the pursuit of justice, freedom and self-determination, emphasizing that it is not a conflict between Muslims and Jews, but a struggle against occupation, dispossession and oppression.
Al-Arian described Zionism as a political project rather than a religious identity and said the consequences of Israel’s policies extend far beyond Palestine, affecting the wider region and shaping global debates on justice and human rights.
He also noted that the ongoing war on Gaza has sparked unprecedented international solidarity movements across universities, media platforms and civil society organizations worldwide.
Voices from Gaza: A Lifetime Under Occupation
Palestinian human rights advocate Nedaa Al-Abadla shared personal testimony about growing up under Israeli occupation and repeated military assaults on Gaza.
She told participants that Palestinian suffering did not begin on October 7, but is rooted in decades of occupation, siege and displacement.
Al-Abadla recounted painful memories of Israeli military incursions into her family home, repeated bombardments, and the loss of relatives throughout the years.
Speaking emotionally about her uncle, who died while waiting for permission to leave Gaza for urgent medical treatment, she said his death was not caused by a missile but by closed crossings and the denial of access to healthcare.
“He was finally granted permission to leave on the day he died,” she recalled.
Jerusalem Remains the Heart of the Palestinian Cause
Professor Abdallah Marouf Omar of Istanbul 29 Mayıs University highlighted the central role of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Palestinian struggle.
He argued that the ongoing assault on Gaza cannot be separated from Israeli policies targeting Jerusalem and its Palestinian identity.
Marouf pointed to a series of major Palestinian uprisings and confrontations that originated in Jerusalem, emphasizing that the city remains at the heart of the conflict.
He warned of growing threats to the historic and religious status of Al-Aqsa Mosque and cautioned against attempts to impose new realities on the ground that could undermine Palestinian rights in the city.
UNRWA’s Critical Role in Gaza
Hasan Basri Bulbul of Bogazici University discussed the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), describing it as a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees.
He said UNRWA has played a vital role not only in providing humanitarian assistance but also in preserving Palestinian identity through education, social services and refugee registration.
Bulbul criticized efforts to undermine the agency and warned that reducing support for UNRWA threatens the survival of essential services for Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, where much of the population depends on its assistance.
Challenging Media Narratives
The conference also examined international media coverage of Palestine.
Student speaker Yahya Mavituna argued that media institutions often shape public understanding through selective language, imagery and framing.
He said Palestinians are frequently marginalized or dehumanized in news coverage and popular culture, while the realities of occupation and displacement are often obscured.
Mavituna urged audiences to seek diverse sources of information, amplify Palestinian voices, and critically examine how language influences public perception.
A Call for Justice and Accountability
Throughout the event, speakers emphasized that the Palestinian cause remains one of freedom, dignity and justice. Participants stressed that amid the ongoing destruction in Gaza, the displacement of civilians, and continued attacks on Palestinian communities, international attention must remain focused on ending impunity and protecting Palestinian rights.
The conference concluded with calls for greater global solidarity, increased awareness of Palestinian narratives, and renewed efforts to hold Israel accountable for violations of international law and the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people.
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