The war on Gaza has entered its 11th month. Regardless of whether it will end soon or not, the massive death toll, the humanitarian disaster and the extensive damage to essential infrastructure in the densely populated Palestinian strip will keep international attention focused on the area for the foreseeable future. On the one hand, the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, impeded the process of normalization of relations between Israel and some Arab countries, which had experienced a period of détente and growth since 2020. On the other hand, Israel’s response and widespread breaches of fundamental international humanitarian law principles, along with the situations in Ukraine and Nagorno-Karabakh, heighten concerns about the future of international norms designed to protect global peace and security. In fact, this war proves that the broader Middle East cannot hope for enduring peace and stability as long as the Palestinian question remains unresolved.
With these alarming signs in mind, the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Review (BSEMR) in partnership with Al Jazeera Centre for Studies organize a hybrid 2-day conference, on November 27-28, 2024. The physical workshop will take place in the premises of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Participants who cannot travel will have the opportunity to participate online. Our intention is to attract original research, policy analysis and critical reflections that can contribute toward the end of the conflict and the establishment of a secure and stable environment in this most battered part of the world. To this end, we are inviting researchers, both young and established ones, to submit their abstracts on one or more of the following topics, or combinations thereof:
- Political and economic prospects of the future reconstruction of Gaza
- Palestinian statehood and future dynamics regarding a two-state solution: Feasibility, chances and risks.
- Hybridity, ontological security and narratives in Israel, Palestine and the Arab world
- The role of the ICC and the ICJ in the conflict and future dynamics in and of international justice as a catalytic vector
- The UN, the EU, and non-governmental institutions and humanitarian aid: Review, implementation assessment appraisals and necessity for a potential reconstruction
- Journalism in the war on Gaza: The role and the cost. Since the war on Gaza broke on October 8, 2023, journalism played a pivotal role, not only in covering its tragic events but also in being one of its prime targets. The number of journalists killed by Israeli forces exceeded 150, setting the highest record compared to any other armed conflict. This session will discuss the conditions in which journalists carry out their work during the war on Gaza and will highlight the challenges they face in reporting the truth to the world in a dangerous environment, while maintaining their professional standards.
The workshop will provide valuable feedback for further development of research findings. To this end, we will be delighted to receive your abstracts (250 words max.) and short CVs by October 18, 2024. The decision will be announced to the applicants by the end of October 2024.
BSEMR is interested in publishing enriched research and study findings in one of its upcoming issues. Papers that will be submitted by January 13, 2025, will be considered for publication, depending on the blind review process outcome.
Abstracts should be sent to bsemr@auth.gr. Papers for publication to BSEMR should be submitted via BSEMR website. For more details on the authors guides and the conditions for submission process you may visit our website, in the following link: https://www.lawjournals.unic.ac.cy/index.php/bsemr/index
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