An online panel discussion entitled “Reconstruction of War-torn Gaza” was organized by ILKE Foundation for Science Culture & Education, Istanbul on Monday, May 31, 2021. The panel included senior names from four different countries including the popular American political scientist and author Norman Finkelstein, a known civil society leader from Turkey Huseyin Oruc, UK based Palestinian journalist Jehan Alfarra and secretary general of Pakistan’s Alkhidmat Foundation Shahiq Iqbal. In a joint session moderated by Istanbul based academician and researcher, Ahsan Shafiq from ILKE, the panelists shared their thoughts about the damage caused to the Gazan strip as a result of latest Israeli offensive as well as the need for reconstruction efforts to rebuild the city.

Jehan who is associated with Middle East Monitor recalled her days of Gaza where she experienced several attacks while she was living there. She also narrating several accounts of journalists and reporters from Gaza. Despite the mere lip service World community does every time Palestine is under attack, she was hopeful of the current development and termed them different from the past.

Huseyin Oruc, a veteran of Mavi Marmara and vice chairman of IHH recalled the incident of freedom flotilla that was sent 11 years ago to lift the blockade of Gaza and in which tens of his friends lost their lives. Oruc accoladed the joint efforts of Muslim countries including Turkey and Pakistan in raising the issue worldwide. Oruc also suggested to send another flotilla of humanitarian aid for the Palestinians.

Shahid Iqbal from Alkhidmat foundation briefed the viewers about Pakistan’s stance for a free Palestine. He also detailed the humanitarian relief efforts his NGO has done to send aid to residents of Gaza and explained how people from different countries can play their role in rebuilding of the city.

The event was broadcasted through ILKE’s YouTube channel and was followed by viewers from several different countries. Viewers were given an opportunity to ask questions through the online streaming page. The discussion concluded with Q/A session after which the moderator Ahsan Shafiq thanked each of the guest speakers individually and the viewers from all over the world who were virtually connected to the event.