By Iraz Akkus
On 13 February LSESU Grimshaw Club hosted the UK’s Palestinian Mission Ambassador, Dr Husam Zomlot. The event was attended by LSE students and staff; it featured opening remarks by the Ambassador, followed by a Q&A session moderated by Professor Myria Georgiou.
Dr Zomlot, a Palestinian economist, diplomat, and academic, shared his expertise, drawing from his academic background at Birzeit University and LSE. Dr Zomlot also previously worked as an economist with the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO).
Zomlot was appointed Ambassador of the Palestinian Mission to the UK in 2018, after previously heading the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) to the United States before the initiative was halted by the Trump administration.
During the event, discussions ranged from the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict to the unfolding of the recent war. After being asked what steps to take going forward, Zomlot commented that “the last day of occupation is the first day of peace”.
Regarding international reactions to the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) recently announced verdict, Dr Zomlot emphasised the need to uphold the law without politicisation, “the law belongs to all of us”.
A student who attended described the event as “important not only for LSE’s Palestinian community but also for encouraging more academic involvement in showing what self-defence ethically is and when it is actually justified.”
A representative of The Beaver who attended the event commented on the respectful and engaged atmosphere of the crowds, with a long standing ovation to mark the end of the event.
