ISLAMABAD, Nov 12 (APP): Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council Rawhi Fatooh on Wednesday called for an immediate end to the Israeli occupation and a sovereign Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Addressing the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) he praised Pakistan’s role in mediating ceasefire efforts and reaffirmed the Palestinian leadership’s commitment to freedom and dignity despite two years of ongoing conflict and widespread destruction in Gaza.
The delegate described the humanitarian crisis, reporting over 250,000 casualties, widespread infrastructure devastation, and millions in urgent need of aid.
He urged the international community to uphold international law, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide humanitarian support while condemning settlement expansion, settler violence, and systemic oppression in the West Bank.
The speaker emphasised that lasting peace requires justice, equity, and respect for international law, calling on parliaments worldwide to defend human rights and support the Palestinian people in achieving freedom and security.
Meanwhile, Somalia’s First Deputy Speaker of the House of the People, Sa’dia Yasin Haji Samatar, has called for stronger inter-parliamentary collaboration to address global challenges and promote sustainable development, peace, and democratic governance.
Samatar highlighted the central role of parliaments in safeguarding accountability, upholding the rule of law, and responding collectively to issues such as poverty, climate change, security, and technological disruption.
She noted Somalia’s ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing institutional efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity.
She urged lawmakers worldwide to exchange best practices, support peer institutions, and work together to transform parliaments into engines of progress that empower citizens and promote stability.
Taking part in the general debate Dr. Muhammad Taha Al-Ahmed, Chairman of Syria’s Supreme Elections Commission, has highlighted the critical role of parliaments in consolidating peace, security, and development.
Dr. Al-Ahmed described parliaments as the “voice of human conscience,” emphasizing their role in fostering national dialogue, social security, and democratic governance.
He outlined three pillars for parliamentary effectiveness: legislation upholding justice, equality, and human rights; oversight ensuring integrity and transparency; and representation giving voice to all societal segments.
The Syrian delegate stressed that lasting security is achieved through mutual trust, participation, and justice, not force, and urged parliaments worldwide to use their authority to promote inclusive governance.
He concluded that Syria’s recovery, despite ongoing challenges, serves as a model of hope, demonstrating that peace begins with recognizing others and collaborating to build societies that embrace all citizens.