This book began a fledgling idea, caught in a moment in The Hague in 2017, as the editors working together and grappling with the extent and implications of Israel’s de facto annexation of the occupied Palestinian territory, discussed the need to create space for advanced academic discourse and reflection on the broader subject of prolonged occupation. At the time, twenty-five years had followed since the publication of Emma Playfair’s seminal edited book International Law and the Administration of Occupied Territories. As the military administration hurtled past the half century mark, it was time to look deeper, past the administration of the territory and at the very nature of the occupation itself, its prolonged and permanent character, and resulting implications.
The editors would like to extend their gratitude to all the contributors to this book for their thought-provoking, stimulating chapters, written during an exceptional time-period.
The editors are also grateful to Al-Haq, Birzeit University – Institute of Law, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, and the International Federation for Human Rights for organising the international conference on “The Threshold from Occupation to Annexation”, which took place on 3–4 October 2018 in Palestine, that encouraged us to pursue our longer-term aspiration to develop this book.
In particular, the editors wish to thank Rania Muhareb for her drive and commitment in spearheading the organisation of the joint academic conference hosted in Birzeit and Professors Jamil Salem and Mustafa Mari for convening and leading the initial selection committee and setting the seeds for the book which followed. Also, many thanks to the team at Al-Haq, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes including Lillian Zanairi, Laura Thomas, Samer Khalifah, and Tahseen Ellayyan.
The editors are also grateful to Emma Playfair, Shawan Jabarin, John Dugard, and John Quigley for their invaluable and kind support. Emma’s book served as a model of excellence throughout the process.
The editors are especially indebted to the wonderful team at brill, who have provided their guidance and expertise, in particular Lindy Melman and Thalien Colenbrander, and the Editors of the International Humanitarian Law Series.
Susan wishes to thank the inspirational and dynamic Legal Research and Advocacy Team at Al-Haq, Seamus Cox, Teresa Power, and family for their continuous encouragement.
Nada Kiswanson
Dr Susan Power