'A Fairer World is Possible' panel kicks off in London with call for change in global order

LONDON, UK - FEB. 22, 2025: A significant international panel titled A Fairer World is Possible began in London on Saturday, bringing together a diverse group of experts, policymakers, and advocates to discuss pressing global issues. The event is taking place at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, located across the UK Parliament. The panel has attracted a distinguished lineup of speakers, including US Middle East Project President Daniel Levy, renowned Jewish historian Avi Shlaim, former South African Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor, and Turkish actor Sinan Albayrak. Renowned Jewish historian Avi Shlaim delivered a powerful speech at the panel in London, calling attention to Britain's historical role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and criticizing Western governments for their unwavering support of Israel. Speaking at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Shlaim stated: "The Israeli-Palestinian conflict was made in Britain, and yet no British government has ever acknowledged its historic responsibility for the tragedy of the Palestinians." He highlighted the Nakba of 1948, when approximately 750,000 Palestinians were displaced, and emphasized that this catastrophe was not a singular event but an ongoing process of occupation and dispossession. Shlaim condemned Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian territories, labeling it "the most prolonged and brutal military occupation in modern times." "Everything that Israel has done since 1967 in the West Bank and Gaza is illegal," Shlaim said, stressing that the ICJ ruling reminded all member states of their obligation to take action against Israel’s violations. The historian also heavily criticized Western governments, particularly the US and the UK, for their unwavering support of Israel. (Footage by Muhammed Yaylali/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)