This issue is one of the most intractable barrier to a Middle East peace settlement. Millions of Palestinian refugees will always fight for their right to return to their occupied lands and property that was occupied by Israel and now is called the State of Israel.
In the latest Doha Debate, this issue was discussed. The motion was: 'This House believes the Palestinians should give up their full right of return.'
Yossi Beilin, a Knesset member and Chairman of the Meretz-Yachad party, and Bassem Eid, a Palestinian human rights campaigner, argued for the motion. They were challenged by Israeli academic Ilan Pappe and Ali Abunimah, son of Palestinian refugees and co-founder of Electronic Intifada.com
In a final vote the Palestinian right of return was overwhelming supported with almost 82% of the audience rejecting the motion. The Debate toke place on March 28, 2007 and was broadcast on BBC World on the 14th and 15th of April.
Watch the debate while it's still available on google video:
[Cross posted at Daily Kos]
