News item: Monday, 13 February 2012
Our Middle East programme has launched a new project engaging with the "forgotten Palestinians", the 1.2 million Palestinian citizens of Israel. Since the ongoing conflict in the region has always focussed on Israel’s relationship with Palestinians living in the West Bank, Gaza, and the neighbouring Arab states, the Palestinian citizens of Israel have been neglected as a national, religious, linguistic and cultural minority. However, Palestinian citizens of Israel make up about 20% of the population of Israel, and are both key to the peace process, as well as deeply affected by any future settlement. Still, they have so far not been given a real voice to contribute to processes and negotiations that will affect their future. In close consultation with local partners and prospective participants, we have shaped a new project that will seriously engage with the issues of the Palestinians in Israel. We aim to foster inclusive internal dialogue among Palestinians in Israel to develop a strategic vision in order to impact policy-making in Israel and internationally.
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