Among the most striking political positions in recent days is what was expressed by the British Prime Minister. Theresa May said her country will celebrate “with pride” the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration which paved the way for the establishment of the State of Israel in the Palestinian territories. May told the UK House of Commons that the UK was “proud” of the role that it played in the creation of Israel, adding, “We will certainly mark the centenary with pride.”
Then, to downtone her statement, she mentioned the Palestinian position, underlying resentment among Arabs and Muslims. “We also must be conscious of the sensitivities that some people do have about the Balfour Declaration. We recognise that there is more work to be done.”
In a follow-up statement, the British PM stated her support of the two-State solution as a way to settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and an “important objective” for the UK foreign policy.
May also vowed to celebrate the centenary of the declaration of 2nd of November, 1917, which she considered “one of the most important letters in history.” “We are proud of the role that we played in the creation of the State of Israel and we will certainly mark the centenary with pride”
Although the statement was a normal reflection of British politics, the Palestinians said the UK should apologize for issuing this document. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on September 20, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the British authorities should make an apology about the Balfour Declaration and compensate the Palestinians for having their lands occupied.
The declaration that “somebody who does not have gave to somebody who does not deserve” remains the crux of conflicts in the Middle East. UK Foreign Secretary Arthur J. Balfour opened the door to crisis in this region when he sent his letter to Baron Rothschild, then an active Zionist, declaring his support for creating a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
Along the celebration of the centennial of this notorious letter resurfaces the controversy about the British role in the creation of Israel, the consequent suffering of millions of Palestinians, as well as the wars and conflicts that have claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands due to Israeli occupation.
The British pro-Israeli policy is not a new thing in international politics, but the celebration of a document that instituted massive colonization is a disregard for all international resolutions on the illegality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
It is not easy to ask the UK to apologize for the Balfour letter for many reasons. It would be difficult for London to recognize its strategic mistake because serious consequences can come of such recognition; historical liabilities and political, legal and moral implications would ensue from such a recognition, not to mention the risk that is making Israel angry.
This sensitive issue is central for us, Arabs and Muslims, but we should also look at it from a political angle, not a sensational one. Realistically, it’s hard to imagine the UK retracting its position, apologizing or even feeling guilty about the grand calamity afflicted to the Palestinian people.
I am not justifying the British policy, but I can see its logic, even if it is unacceptable. In order to find solutions to the crisis, we must bear this matters in mind, not propose set-to-fail alternatives.
The centennial of the Balfour Declaration marks 100 years of tragedy in Palestine, the suffering and displacement of millions of Palestinians. The UK and the entire world are responsible because they have been unable to stop this tragedy. This protracted and complicating conflict can be solved if more serious efforts are put in it.
