The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad is set to launch its national political gathering today, Saturday, under the banner “The Palestinian people reject displacement projects and there is no alternative to the right of return.”

The week-long event, concluding on April 19, will bring together 250 prominent Palestinian figures to address critical issues facing the Palestinian cause.

Semaan Khoury, head of the Conference’s General Commission, described the gathering as a pivotal moment, particularly in light of what he called the “ongoing genocidal war” in Gaza and displacement efforts led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with backing from U.S. President Donald Trump. In a statement released Thursday on the Conference’s website, Khoury emphasized the need to counter displacement projects and protect Palestinian rights.

“This political meeting is a vital opportunity to explore practical steps to thwart suspicious deals targeting our people’s rights and to strengthen Palestinian resilience against displacement, annexation, and Judaization,” Khoury said.

The conference will feature five sessions tackling pressing local and global Palestinian issues, with a special focus on supporting Gaza and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Organizers highlight the diverse representation of Palestinian political figures, which they say will foster comprehensive discussions and a unified national perspective.

Khoury underscored the event’s role in reinforcing Palestinian unity, stating, “The conference will address all aspects of the Palestinian cause, affirming the shared destiny of our people inside and outside the homeland and their unwavering commitment to their legitimate rights.”

The gathering comes at a time of heightened tension, with organizers aiming to galvanize efforts to confront ongoing challenges and advocate for the Palestinian right of return. (ILKHA)