KUWAIT CITY, Dec 5: The Kuwait Declaration has mentioned Palestine five times, which is a huge indicator of the Gulf’s commitment to the Palestinian cause, particularly the leadership role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in advocating for the two-state solution. The Palestinian Ambassador to Kuwait Rami Tahboub expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia’s efforts and assured complete trust in Kuwait’s ongoing support for the Palestinian issue in all international forums. During the opening of the “They” exhibition by Jordan-based Palestinian artist Raya Qassisieh, the ambassador said, “The Palestinian issue is always at the forefront of Gulf summit priorities”. He explained that the exhibition explores the Palestinian identity before the 1948 Nakba and its evolution, especially in light of the recent aggression in the Gaza Strip and other occupied Palestinian territories.

The artist’s artwork reflects how Palestinians lived before 1948, and counters the Western narrative that they brought development to the Palestinian people. Through her paintings, she has affirmed that Palestinians have a long history of civilization, spanning hundreds of years. Some of the paintings featured in the exhibition include images of the artist’s grandmother, dating back to pre-1948, and showcase the Palestinian people’s rich history and civilization, which existed long before Western interference. Her work aims to challenge misconceptions and illustrate that it was Palestinians who contributed to the development of the region and the world, not external forces. The exhibition reflects the identity conflict and internal struggles of the Palestinian people, particularly those living outside the occupied territories. Within the paintings, there is a symbolic shell that, when removed, reveals the true Palestinian identity.

The artist aims to reach the Arab audience, particularly given that the exhibition is being held in Kuwait. The ambassador affirmed that both the Kuwaiti people and the Palestinians shared a common history before 1948, with Kuwaitis being well-acquainted with the Palestinian people and their cause. He called for an end to the aggression against the Palestinian people in both Palestine and the Gaza Strip, and expressed hope for an immediate halt to the bloodshed occurring in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. He also stressed the need for a quick resolution to the ongoing violence. Regarding the employment of Palestinian teachers in Kuwait, Ambassador Tahboub stated that the door for recruitment has been open since 2017, but the current difficult circumstances in Palestine have been the only obstacle to hiring a new batch of teachers. He stressed that Kuwait will resume sending Palestinian educational missions when the aggression ends.

By Fares Al-Abdan
 Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff