Featuring: Daniel Levy, Dr Julie Norman, Nomi Bar-Yaacov, Shawan Jabarin, followed by Q&A.

As the conference drew towards its conclusion, this panel tackled one of the most pressing questions of the day: what practical action can be taken internationally to advance Palestinian rights, uphold international law and create meaningful political change?

Chaired by Sir Vincent Fean, the discussion brought together Daniel Levy, Dr Julie Norman, Nomi Bar-Yaacov and Shawan Jabarin to explore the shifting global political landscape, the role of governments and civil society, and how pressure can be translated into action.

Dr Julie Norman argued that despair and inaction are not options. While acknowledging the scale of suffering in Gaza and the West Bank, she highlighted practical policy measures including recognition of the State of Palestine, banning settlement goods, supporting Palestinian businesses, and ensuring that any future reconstruction of Gaza prioritises Palestinian agency and dignity. She also reflected on the Britain Palestine Project’s Statement of Principles, emphasising the importance of maintaining a broad coalition while continuing difficult conversations about how principles become policy.

Shawan Jabarin offered a stark assessment of international efforts to date. Drawing on his experience as Director General of Al-Haq, he warned that many reconstruction proposals risk entrenching Israeli control rather than advancing Palestinian self-determination. He argued that Palestinians have been systematically excluded from decisions about their own future and stressed the need to challenge policies that seek to normalise occupation, displacement and inequality.

Daniel Levy focused on the political realities of building influence and power. He argued that international law alone will not change outcomes unless governments are willing to create consequences for violations. Levy explored the growing global movement around Palestine, the shifting geopolitical landscape and the importance of creating political pressure that changes Israeli calculations. He also examined changing attitudes within Jewish communities worldwide and challenged assumptions about the future of Zionism, accountability and coexistence.

Nomi Bar-Yaacov highlighted the urgency of implementing the International Court of Justice advisory opinion and ending the occupation in practice rather than merely in rhetoric. She outlined concrete measures governments could take, including restrictions on settlement activity, support for accountability mechanisms, action on Palestinian prisoners, and stronger coordination among European states. Bar-Yaacov also stressed the importance of maintaining hope through dialogue, cooperation and future political solutions grounded in justice and equality.

The panel concluded with a lively audience discussion covering Palestinian political leadership, the imprisonment of Marwan Barghouti, the role of Hamas, changing attitudes among younger Jewish communities, international sanctions, and whether emerging global alliances may offer new opportunities to uphold international law.

Throughout the discussion, speakers returned to a common theme: meaningful change will require more than statements of concern. It will require sustained political pressure, international accountability, grassroots mobilisation and a commitment to ensuring that Palestinian rights remain central to any future political settlement.

Speakers:

Daniel Levy, President, US/Middle East Project
Dr Julie Norman, Associate Professor in Politics and International Relations, UCL
Nomi Bar-Yaacov, International Negotiator and Mediator
Shawan Jabarin, Director General, Al-Haq

Chair:

Sir Vincent Fean KCVO, Trustee, Britain Palestine Project