London – The "Naming Genocide: The Global Responsibility for Gaza" conference concluded with powerful closing remarks delivered by Prof. Penny Green, a leading Australian Professor of Law. Prof. Green expressed deep appreciation for the Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) in organising what she described as an "exceptional" conference, highlighting the depth of discussion across the three panels that explored the legal and civil society responses to genocide.

Prof. Green reaffirmed the necessity of recognising genocide as a process, rather than a singular event, stressing that history did not begin on October 7, 2023. She traced the roots of the ongoing genocide in Gaza to the Balfour Declaration, explaining that genocide unfolds in stages—starting with dehumanisation, escalating to violence and segregation, followed by systematic weakening and, ultimately, annihilation. Even after annihilation, she noted, the genocide does not end but shifts into practices of erasure, where the genocidal state removes all traces of the targeted group.

Prof. Green was critical of the legal system's limitations in addressing the structural and process-based nature of genocide, arguing that international law seeks "events" rather than ongoing systemic violence. This, she explained, is why the legal establishment only begins its historical timeline on October 7, ignoring the decades of settler-colonial oppression that preceded it. While acknowledging the importance of international judicial mechanisms, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), she argued that Palestinians and their allies do not need a court ruling to confirm that genocide is happening.

"There is no difficulty in establishing the intent of the Israeli state," Prof. Green stated. "Every command, every statement from the Knesset, the war cabinet, and the IDF, has made it explicitly clear—Palestinians are viewed as less than human and must be eliminated to ensure Israel’s project of ethno-supremacy." She warned against relying solely on legal avenues, recalling the failure of the UK government to act on the genocide of the Rohingya in Myanmar, citing Boris Johnson’s refusal in 2015 to acknowledge genocide until a court of law declared it as such.

A Call for Mass Mobilisation

Prof. Green emphasised that courts alone cannot deliver justice. True justice, she argued, requires mass mobilisation and global challenge. She urged attendees to actively participate in protests, boycotts, divestment campaigns, and direct action, stating that defying genocide requires challenging unjust laws.

"The same way activists fought against the criminalisation of homosexuality in the UK, we must challenge and disrupt the structures that enable genocide today." she said.

Prof. Green highlighted the importance of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, stressing that it is led by Palestinians but requires global participation to be effective. She called on individuals and institutions—including universities, corporations, and pension funds—to cut financial ties with Israel and for governments to impose sanctions on Israel in response to its crimes.

Accountability Beyond Borders

Discussing international accountability, Prof. Green praised initiatives such as the Gaza Tribunal, led by Prof. Richard Falk, which aims to create a permanent historical archive of evidence detailing the genocide. She also commended efforts by legal organisations such as Hind Rajab organisation pursuing universal jurisdiction cases against Israeli officials, arguing that war criminals should "feel uncomfortable anywhere they go."

Supporting Palestinian Resilience

Prof. Green honoured the daily acts of resilience by Palestinians, particularly doctors, journalists, and activists in Gaza who continue their work despite the destruction of their homes and the loss of their families. She called on global allies to actively challenge Israeli propaganda, educate themselves and others, and ensure that the Palestinian narrative remains visible.

"Palestinians do not need to be humanised—they are already human. But we must actively counter the dehumanising rhetoric that seeks to erase them."

A Final Call to Action

In her final words, Prof. Green reminded attendees that even small acts make difference, whether through public demonstrations, challenging narratives, or supporting activists facing repression.

"If we look at the courage of Palestinians, then the small acts of defiance we engage in—despite state repression—are the least we can do," she concluded. "But we must do them."

End of Conference Statement

The conference ended on a clear and urgent note: the global fight against genocide must be relentless and uncompromising. From legal advocacy to grassroots activism, from economic boycotts to direct action, the speakers outlined a cohesive strategy for dismantling oppression and holding perpetrators accountable.

The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) concluded this event by thanking all the esteemed speakers, attendees, and the collabortating student societies for their invaluable contributions in making the this conference a powerful platform for dialogue, advocacy, and justice. The dedication and support have been instrumental in amplifying the voices of Gaza and strengthening global solidarity. 

22 February 2025