International Conference on “Settler Colonialism: Analyzing the Israeli Occupation of Palestine”

Introduction
The violence in the Middle East is often attributed to various factors, such as the clash of civilizations, historical conflicts between Islam and the West, and modern vs. archaic tensions. However, a clearer perspective emerges when considering the historical context of decolonization struggles. In the case of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the core issue revolves around achieving political independence and ending colonial status.

While colonialism is largely seen as a thing of the past, Palestine stands as a unique example of coexisting colonial and postcolonial realities. Unlike traditional colonial narratives that follow a linear path of colonization, anti-colonial struggle, and independence, Palestinians have been unable to transition into the postcolonial world order. The Zionist movement disrupted this trajectory, resulting in a situation where Palestinians remained stateless and captive to a pre-1948 colonial moment.

The foundations of Israel have roots in a modernized colonial project that subjects Palestinians to military occupation, land dispossession, and unequal rights. This dynamic creates a collision of two eras and worldviews in the region, leading to ongoing tensions and conflict.

Objectives
Considering these insights, the organizing committee is jointly organizing a conference titled "Settler Colonialism: Analyzing the Israeli Occupation of Palestine" with the following objectives:

• To delve into the complexities of Palestine's colonial past and postcolonial present,
• To shed light on the historical, ideological, and economic dimensions of the issue,
• To highlight the relationship of Malaysia and Southeast Asia towards Palestine.

Organizers:

• Asia Middle-East Centre (AMEC)
• International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia
•  Asia West-East Centre (AsiaWe) 
•  Hashim Sani Centre for Palestine Studies (HSCPS), Universiti Malaya (UM)

Watch the recording of this conference on IAIS Malaysia's Facebook page, Session 1   Session 2