The third annual Palestine Forum, a collaborative effort between the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies and the Institute for Palestine Studies, commenced in Doha on Saturday. The event was attended by prominent figures including Minister of Culture HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, and Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi.

This three-day gathering is a leading academic platform for Palestine studies, exploring diverse topics such as international law, cultural heritage, political movements, history, and global solidarity. Scholars, researchers, and activists are participating in discussions centered on the recent Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the challenges confronting the Palestinian national project.

The forum’s program includes seven sessions, three public seminars, and a closed workshop. Dr. Tarek Mitri, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Institute for Palestine Studies, emphasized the forum's role in promoting dialogue and advancing research. He noted the timing of the event following the Gaza ceasefire, while also expressing concerns about the continued impact of Israeli actions in both Gaza and the West Bank. Dr. Mitri’s keynote address highlighted concerns about potential Israeli escalation in the West Bank and stressed that the conflict is no longer a localized issue. He also mentioned the Institute's work in documenting the war's effects on key sectors like education, health, culture, and agriculture.

Dr. Azmi Bishara, General Director of the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies (ACRPS), delivered a keynote address examining recent developments in the Palestinian cause and the resilience of Palestinians in the face of ongoing Israeli actions. For this session, the forum’s scientific committee received 560 research proposals, accepting 220, with approximately 90 peer-reviewed papers to be presented.