2017 marks 50 years for the longest standing military occupation in the world. During that time, the political, demographic, legal, economic and social dimensions of the occupation have changed dramatically, in Israel, in the West Bank and Gaza, in the region, and beyond. The two-state solution has moved from being perceived as a threat to Israel’s existence, to the only possible solution, and now to one that is slowly fading into the realms of an unrealistic prospect. The West Bank and Gaza, once viewed as two parts of one political identity, have taken different trajectories. The international arena has moved from bewilderment, to active engagement, to frustration and perhaps, to apathy. Resistance has taken the form of violent uprising, civic protests and international collaboration. The legal system has been portrayed by some as the final frontier for the protection of Palestinian rights, but is seen by others as one of the main facilitators of the occupation. The terms of economic engagement have changed dramatically, from the incorporation of Palestinian labour and markets into the Israeli economy, to selective disengagement during times of upheaval, to complete removal of non-citizen Palestinians from the Israeli labour market, and to calls for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions.

This two-day international conference seeks to take stock and shed light on these issues, by reflecting on the pasts, presents and futures of the occupation, on its implications not just for Palestinians but also for Israelis, and worldwide, and on its global connections and comparisons. Though its principal focus will be academic, it will also include significant non-academic representation, this being especially important given the role of non-academics – activists, charities, civil servants and elected representatives – in designing the occupation’s pasts, presents and futures.

For a full list of speakers and to register, please click here. Registration closes on 30th April. Registration is free, but numbers are limited.

Please arrive promptly at Fulton B lecture theatre, Fulton Building, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9NZ. Metered parking is available during the day, however there are no parking charges after 5pm. For a campus map please click here. 

This conference is co-sponsored by the Sussex Centre for Conflict and Security Research, the Centre for Human Rights Research, the Middle East and North Africa Centre at Sussex, and the Leverhulme Trust.

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By: Katy Joanna Joyce
Last updated: Monday, 29 May 2017