FT Online: Discussing Dr Mustafa Barghouti’s recent articles on the need for a single democratic state, 28 September 2023

On 28 September 2023, Forward Thinking convened an online discussion with Dr Mustafa Barghouti to discuss two of his recently published articles in which he claims that many Palestinians now feel it is necessary to establish a single democratic state for both Israelis and Palestinians to enjoy equal rights. The meeting was attended by 21 parliamentarians and diplomats from the UK, France, Ireland, Sweden, South Africa, the US, and Libya.

Dr Barghouti is the Secretary General and Co-Founder of the Palestinian National Initiative (PNI). He has worked to defend human rights and promote democracy in Palestine, whilst additionally founding and acting as the chairperson for the Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS).

The discussion focused on Dr Barghouti’s claim that increased settler activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territories has hindered progress towards a two-state solution, resulting in a growing belief that a single democratic state is the only viable solution. The discussion also covered the role of international law, the absence of Palestinian elections, and the potential impacts of neighbouring countries normalising their relations with Israel.