My letter to The Independent regarding "No way home: The tragedy of the Palestinian diaspora"

A young Palestinian refugee leans on the wall of her house at the Wihdat refugee camp in Amman

RE: No way home: The tragedy of the Palestinian diaspora
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/no-way-home-the-tragedy-of-the-palestinian-diaspora-1806790.html

Dear Sir,

Regarding the report " No way home: The tragedy of the Palestinian diaspora"... Some crucially important details were left out, shifting focus away from Israel's obligation to respect international law and the Palestinians basic human rights: The recent Arab Peace Initiative clearly points out that "Achievement of a just solution to the Palestinian refugee problem to be agreed upon in accordance with U.N. General Assembly Resolution 194." http://www.al-bab.com/Arab/docs/league/peace02.htm

UN Resolution 194 dates from 1948, specifically affirming the Palestinian refugees rights "Resolves that the refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date, and that compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property which, under principles of international law or in equity, should be made good by the Governments or authorities responsible;" http://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/C758572B78D1CD0085256BCF0077E51A

Clearly from the very beginning of this 61 year long 'peace process' honoring the idea of two states goes hand in hand with respecting the Palestinians' basic human rights, including but not limited to the Palestinian refugees' inalienable legal, moral and natural right to return to original homes and lands all through out what is now called Israel.

Perhaps the future Palestinian state will be part of the process of welcoming the Palestinian diaspora home, as well as advocating for refugee rights worldwide, but it can not and should not be a substitute for compassionately and calmly insisting that Israel fully honor its legal and moral obligations to the men, women and children of historic Palestine.

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

Abu Yousef and his wife hold keys to their house in pre-1948 Palestine at a refugee camp in Amman REUTERS