The recent eruption of violence between Israel and Palestine was the focus of a joint discussion titled International Law, International Relations, and Palestine organized by Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s College of Law and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS). Against the backdrop of deaths and injuries, property destruction, and displacement of innocents in Gaza, academics from the two colleges and a CHSS master’s student tackled relevant legal and international relations issues. The session started with observations from Mr. Ali M. Abusheikh, a CHSS master’s student who provided an overview of the situation in his home of Gaza. His presentation opened the door for experts from the College of Law to examine the legal status of Palestine and the legality of the use of force, particularly acts against civilians and hospitals, commercial, and living facilities. The speakers also considered possible human rights violations and accountability for the acts under international criminal law. The international relations and political dimensions were addressed with reference to US foreign policy, the position of regional signatories to the Abraham Accords, and the dynamics in Israeli politics. Moderated by Dr. Amal Al-Malki, founding dean, CHSS, and Dr. Susan Karamanian, dean of the College of Law, the panel featured, in addition to Mr. Abusheikh, CHSS’ Dr. Steven Wright, associate professor and associate dean, and from the College of Law, Dr. Ilias Bantekas, professor, and Dr. Eleni Polymenopoulou, and Dr. Ka Lok Yip, assistant professors.

HBKU regularly invites local and international academics to share their expertise with the wider community and engage in knowledge transfer on a range of topical issues of global relevance. To learn more about the College of Law, its activities, and events, visit cl.hbku.edu.qa. To learn more about the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, its activities, and events, visit chss.hbku.edu.qa.