Prolonged Occupation and International Law

Book excerpt: This volume arose from a desire to advance academic discourse and reflection on the broader subject of prolonged occupation, in light of the permanent character, and resulting implications of, the 55 year Israeli administration of the Palestinian Territories. The roots of the volume lie in a 2018 academic conference on "The Threshold from Occupation to Annexation". The present volume moves that discussion forward, updating and widening the range of topics addressed. The result is a collection of thought-provoking contributions by a wide range of scholars on the challenging and critical issue of prolonged occupation and international law, ranging from colonialism, apartheid, the illegality of occupation and potential international criminal liability. "This volume reminds us forcefully that international law is alive and vibrant and can, with imagination and in concert with social movements, move us forward in the struggle for justice in Palestine, and elsewhere. It is a signal achievement." George Bisharat, The Honorable Raymond L. Sullivan Professor of Law, University of California Hastings College of the Law. "Into today's "deepening environment of political inertia" (co-editor Nada Kiswanson) comes this searing collection of essays examining international legal frameworks and legal responsibilities closely and tangibly informed by the painful realities of Palestinian life under prolonged Israeli occupation. The editors, authors, convenors and everyone else involved are to be congratulated on producing a volume that will surely become a seminal resource for anyone serious about studying what Palestine has to teach us about international law." Lynn Welchman, Professor, School of Law, SOAS University of London. "Scholarly and comprehensive, this impressive collection of essays by renowned experts...offers a tour d'horizon of the fundamental legal issues raised by Israel's prolonged occupation of Palestine as well as potential remedies that can confront the illegalities." William A. Schabas, Professor of International Law, School of Law, Middlesex University.