His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas
President of the State of Palestine
Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Mustafa
Prime Minister of Palestine
Member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization

 

Topic: Israeli Aggression and the Necessity of Youth Participation in the Recovery Process

 

Greetings,

The Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip has caused devastating impacts on Palestinian life, including the destruction of the social fabric, the weakening of the economic structure, and the increased suffering of vulnerable groups, particularly the youth. These challenges are compounded by the declining role of factions and political and social institutions in addressing the escalating repercussions. Amid the brutal occupation’s relentless attacks, youth remain the most targeted and affected group. The occupation seeks to suppress them, disengage them from national and political activities, and hinder their effective participation in shaping the shared national destiny.

These challenges have deepened youth alienation from the political system, leading many to withdraw from active participation. This disengagement is further intensified by the occupation's deliberate efforts to marginalize their role in shaping Palestine’s future.

Data from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics show that youth aged 18–29 make up one-fifth of Palestinian society, accounting for 22% of the total population. Across generations, youth have been at the forefront of the national struggle, striving to uphold the values enshrined in the Palestinian Declaration of Independence to safeguard the national identity.

Driven by our deep belief in our ability to effect change, we call for the urgent adoption of policies that ensure youth participation in the recovery process and the rebuilding of a more cohesive and stable society. It is essential to involve us in shaping a vision for recovery, which serves as a critical step for the political system to address the effects of the 17-year division and to combat our growing alienation. This alienation stems from our exclusion from general elections due to the ongoing suspension of the democratic process.

Your prompt response to these demands will affirm the principle of generational continuity in managing state institutions and help restore the vitality of a political system that has borne the heavy costs of division and conflict.

We, the youth of Palestine, emphasize the urgent need to adopt policies that address the effects of aggression on the social fabric by reducing youth alienation through their involvement in reconstruction efforts, reforming the political and economic systems, and enhancing their participation in public life. This includes strengthening democracy within political parties and launching campaigns to increase youth representation in leadership bodies, enabling their access to decision-making positions.

We also stress the importance of combating hate speech and accusations of duplicity while promoting societal tolerance to foster social cohesion and cultural awareness. Youth issues must be integrated into public policies by involving them in recovery plans and adopting comprehensive support initiatives for orphaned children. These plans should provide shelter, healthcare, education, and vocational training, along with sustainable economic support for foster families. Furthermore, an emergency plan is needed to rehabilitate courts, recover lost files, and activate alternative dispute resolution methods to ensure the stability of the judicial system.

At the end of this message, we affirm that as Palestinian youth, we are not merely demanding our rights—we believe our active participation is the key to building a more just and democratic society. It is through this participation that we can create a generation capable of assuming responsibility and shaping a brighter future for our homeland. Your response to these demands will be a critical step in revitalizing the Palestinian political system, reinforcing intergenerational continuity, and ensuring the persistence of the national struggle for freedom and independence.

Sincerely,

Mahmoud Tmeizeh

Participant in the “Sypmosia II” project implemented by REFORM Association

The opinions expressed in this article are the author's views and not necessarily the Association's or donor's opinion.