The “Regional Perspectives on Palestine” invites us to engage with one of our time’s most enduring and contentious issues. Set against the backdrop of the recent devastating Israeli attacks on Gaza that followed after the Hamas terror attacks in Israel, this series of lunchtime online discussions seeks to unpack the historical, political, and human dimensions of a struggle that has shaped and continues to shape global geopolitics. The series calls on participants to reflect on the power of international solidarity and the responsibility of global citizens in the face of conflict and suffering.

Held at lunchtime for optimal accessibility, each hour-long session will feature a dialogue between two or more researchers and scholars, offering their insights and reflections on various aspects of the conflict. The focus is not only on the intricate history of Israel and Palestine but also on the broader implications of the conflict, including the potential for peace and the significant role of international communities as witnesses to the violence.

This series wants to provide a space to host a range of guest speakers from the Balkan region. The Balkans, with their own history of conflict and reconciliation, offer a unique lens through which to view and understand the Israel-Palestine situation. Through these dialogues, the series aims to foster a deeper understanding of the conflict, encouraging empathy, critical thinking, and a nuanced appreciation of the challenges and opportunities for peace.

The series is a joint initiative of the Centre for Advanced Studies Southeast Europe CAS SEE and the Centre for Peace Studies and Conflict Studies at the University of Rijeka. Hosts and organizers: Sanja Bojanić, Valeria Graziano, Piro Rexhepi, Nebojša Zelič.