For or us, it is obvious that the double standards are getting crystal clear by the time passing, and by experiencing more difficult situations. The Palestinian live is equal for any live in the world. No one in the world has the power to decide which liv

Capital: What are the key priorities and objectives of the Palestinian mission to the African Union?

Fares Alqub: The AU is considered the most important supporter of the Palestinian cause. The key priority and objective for us is to maintain excellent relationship with the African union as a multilateral organization, and create good relations with all the African countries that we don’t have any representation there. The African union gives us the privilege to get in contact with all the African countries, and the opportunity to speak and share our Palestinian reality to all member countries. For us, the African union is the place and the point where Palestine and Africa meet together.

Capital: How would you describe the current relationship between Palestine and African Union member states?

Fares Alqub: We have a historical relationship with all the African countries, we share the same values and principles of freedom, justice, right to self-determination, dignity, and straggles against colonialism and apartheid. Each year, the African leaders discuss the Palestinian cause and the new developments in the Palestinian territories. Each year the African leaders issue a declaration about Palestine, in which they renew the African support to the Palestinian rights, condemn the Israeli occupation and its continues violations of international law and the Israelis denial to the Palestinian rights.

The relationship between the state of Palestine and AU countries is very good, and each day we are working to develop and strengthen these relations. For us the African countries are the most countries that feels for us, because most of the African countries was under occupation one day, and they felt the oppression that we as Palestinian feel and live each day under the Israeli occupation.

Capital: What efforts are being made to strengthen political and diplomatic ties between Palestine and African countries?

Fares Alqub: Well, we should be realistic. Palestine lives under occupation for more than 75 years, but what we are capable to do under these difficult conditions; is to cooperate and provide assistance to all the African countries with the (Palestinian know how). As we do with some of the AU countries through PICA (the Palestinian international cooperation agency) and applying humanitarian and technical projects. Through PICA, we express our gratitude and appreciations to African countries for its solidarity and continues support with Palestine.

Capital: How does the Palestinian government engage with the African Union on issues related to peace, security, and human rights?

Fares Alqub: As I said before, Palestine and Africa share the same struggling history. We share the same experience. So, when it comes to talk about Palestine and Africa, it’s really special. For us, we find ourselves on the same page with the AU in all the different aspects. Also, the AU, is the sound of Africa, and it unites all Africa under its umbrella. This sound is always the sound of truth, equity, and freedom. That’s why we do engage with the AU in best ways, in order to achieve the best outcome.

Capital: What do you say about the current conflict? What is the solution?

Fares Alqub: What are we witnessing is really terrible and painful. Israel is committing genocide, forced displacement, and sending its bombs everywhere. Israel, the occupying power should immediately seize fire and stop killing civilians (children, women, and elderly people), stop killing the medical teams, allow the entrance of the humanitarian needs to Gaza strip, and save what is remaining to be saved.

Capital: Why is not the western world calling for a cease fire? Is it double standards when it belongs to Palestine?

Fares Alqub: I believe that you should ask the western world this question, but for us, it is obvious that the double standards are getting crystal clear by the time passing, and by experiencing more difficult situations. The Palestinian live is equal for any live in the world. No one in the world has the power to decide which live matters more than the other.

Capital: Will the current conflict spread to other countries in the region?

Fares Alqub: We hope not, but all nations and people should know that without a just peace between Palestine and Israel, our region will never have peace. And as long as the Israeli occupation continues to occur, the region won’t find nor peace nor security. There is an inherited saying: “War breaks out in Palestine and peace begins in Palestine”.

Capital: Can you provide an update on the status of Palestine's bid for full membership in the African Union?

Fares Alqub:

Well, we have a special membership in the AU. For us we really appreciate AU for granting us a special status. The only states who can get a full membership is the African countries.

Capital: What role does the Palestinian mission play in promoting economic cooperation and trade between Palestine and African countries?

Fares Alqub: Trade is increasing between Africa and Palestine, for us we encourage the Palestinians businessmen to invest, in all the African countries, especially because Africa is a rich continent, full of resources and young generations. So, it will be a great opportunity to invest in Africa. We do provide the businessmen with studies that shows the sectors which they can invest in order that both sides reach a win-win situation.

Capital: How does Palestine collaborate with the African Union on addressing regional challenges and conflicts in the Middle East?

Fares Alqub: Palestine is ready to collaborate with all international organizations in order to bring peace, and end the Israeli occupation. At the end, this will grant peace to our region. Palestine and AU always collaborate, and will always work with each other in order to solve all conflicts in our region.

Capital: What initiatives or programs are in place to enhance cultural and educational exchanges between Palestine and African countries?

Fares Alqub: Well, we have many exchanges between Palestine and African countries, but what we focus on these days are the humanitarian and technical projects that are applied through PICA, in which it gives special assistance and support in special fields.

Capital: How does the Palestinian mission work towards garnering support for the Palestinian cause within the African Union and its member states?

Fares Alqub: We do have great relations with the AU countries, and we always work to enhance these relations, and seek all possible means to consolidate the friendship relations through all diplomatic means.

Capital: Can you share any upcoming plans or initiatives that aim to strengthen the relationship between Palestine and African Union member states?

Fares Alqub: Well, what I can share for you, that we will not miss any opportunity which will strengthen the relationship between AU members and Palestine.