By recognising Palestine, Britain can help right the wrongs of the Balfour declaration | Avi Shlaim
by Avi Shlaim from on (#54VXP)
The theft of Palestinian land is a legacy of British colonialism. The UK must stand in the way of further Israeli annexations
If ever there was a time to re-examine colonial legacies and responsibilities, this is it. The theft of Palestine from the Palestinians is one such legacy. On 2 November 1917, the foreign secretary, Arthur James Balfour, issued his famous declaration in support of a national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. In 1917, Jews constituted 10% of the population, the rest were Arabs. Yet Britain recognised the national rights of a tiny minority and denied it to the majority.
Related: Israel's annexation of the West Bank will be yet another tragedy for Palestinians | Ian Black
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