Israel’s Denial of Palestinian Refugees’ Return Continues 75 Years Later

Israel‘s continued repression of Palestinian refugees and denied return on the 75th anniversary of the Nakba (May 15) highlights the ongoing human rights violations in the conflict. As highlighted by Omar Shakir, the Israel and Palestine Director for the Middle East and North Africa Division at Human Rights Watch, “about two-thirds of the Palestinian people became refugees” due to the events surrounding the establishment of Israel in 1948, and 5.9 million Palestinian refugees and their descendants are unable to return to the land of their origin. This denial of human rights reflects the long-standing Israeli policy to maintain the domination by Jewish Israelis over Palestinians, one element of its crime against humanity of apartheid.

International human rights law guarantees refugees and exiles the right to enter the territory they are from, even where sovereignty is contested or has changed hands, and reside in areas where they or their families once lived and have maintained links to. Like refugees in other contexts, such as Rohingya refugees expelled from Myanmar, Palestinians should have the freedom to choose among the options of returning to reside in the areas where they or their families are from, local integration, or third-country resettlement.

It is crucial to note that the Palestinian refugees‘ right to return to their homeland remains central to the discussion of the future in Israel and Palestine. The ongoing repression and denial of refugee rights only perpetuate the conflict, making it essential for both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue to find a lasting solution that respects human rights and allows for the return of refugees.

The international community also has a vital role to play in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by ensuring that human rights are protected and respected. Diplomatic pressure, including sanctions, should be leveraged to encourage Israel to respect the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland and seek just resolution for the conflict.

On the 75th anniversary of the Nakba, it is vital to recognize and acknowledge the ongoing human rights violations, including the denial of Palestinian refugees‘ right to return, and work towards a peaceful solution that includes the return of refugees and respects the rights of all individuals involved in the conflict.

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