By Khalid Meshaal

This paper was originally presented by Mr Khalid Meshaal, the Chief of the Political Bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) at a conference convened by Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies & Consultations, Beirut, on 28-29 November 2012.

It explores Hamas' vision for the Palestinian issue, and the practical application of the movement's stances and concepts. Meshaal discusses the "Arab Spring" and its impact on the issue, in addition to Hamas's role and potential challenges. Finally, Meshaal discusses the challenges and problems facing the Arab Spring in its various countries.

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HE Jacob Zuma
President of the Republic of South Africa
Cape Town
South Africa

Cape Town, 7 November 2011

Dear Mister President,

On 5-6 November 2011 we held our third session in Cape Town, hosted by the District Six museum.

Yesterday afternoon it came to our attention that at least one witness who has given evidence to the Tribunal this weekend has been subjected to reprisals because she has opposed apartheid. Haneen Zoabi, a Member of Knesset (Israeli Parliament) gave evidence to the Tribunal yesterday, Sunday 6th November 2011, and within hours of doing do so was reportedly the subject of a formal application to the Knesset's Ethics' Committee to strip her of her Israeli citizenship. The media reports of that application make it clear that it is based on the fact of her testimony to the Tribunal. We fully appreciate that the proposed action against MK Zoabi is currently initiated by another MK, which at the time of this letter has not received the support of the Israeli Government and has not been the subject of decision by the Knesset. However, the very fact of such a formal step may effectively achieve its principal purpose: to chill public debate on the issue of Israeli apartheid.

Arab Delegation

Members of the delegation confirmed their frank and forthright demand for the immediate release of Sheikh Raed Salah. They informed Mr Gould that Salah's arrest was tantamount to the arrest of every leader of the Arab community in the country; and that Britain had perpetrated an act that even Israel had not undertaken and that Salah did not represent only himself, but the whole Arab population.

Sheikh Kamal Khatib, vice chairman of the Islamic Movement in Israel who was part of the Arab delegation, said that despite reservations about British policy, it was inappropriate for Britain to have dealt with the Sheikh in this way. He said that the Committee had confirmed that Sheikh Raed did hold very clear positions on Israeli policies against Palestinians which he was dedicated to combatting using all factual, legal and popular means available.
 
After the meeting, Committee Chairman, Mohammad Zeidan, said that the meeting had been a conduit to convey the united and official Palestinian position to decision-makers in Britain. Other members of the Committee confirmed the opinion that the arrest was baseless, unlawful and political in nature and accused the British government of doing Israel's dirty work for it.

http://www.middleeastmonitor.org.uk/news/middle-east/2578-arab-delegation-meets-british-ambassador-to-tel-aviv-and-demands-salahs-immediate-release

26 former European leaders, including former Presidents, Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers and European Commissioners, have written a letter to EU President Van Rompuy and High Representative Catherine Ashton, calling on the EU to adopt a more pro-active stance in respect of the Israel - Palestinian conflict, and in which they call for Israel to be "held accountable for its actions."

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