Brunei's Stance On Palestine: A Comprehensive Overview

Brunei has a history of supporting Palestine, with the Sultan of Brunei expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination. Brunei supports the creation of an independent Palestine with 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital. The country has no diplomatic ties with Israel and has voted against US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Brunei has also provided donations and aid to Palestine through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), including food, funding for education, and healthcare. Along with Indonesia and Malaysia, Brunei issued a joint statement condemning Israeli actions during the 2023 Israel-Hamas war and calling for a ceasefire.

Brunei's support for Palestine's independence

Brunei has a long history of supporting Palestine's independence. The country has no diplomatic ties with Israel and officially recognised Palestine following the Palestinian Declaration of Independence in 1988.

Brunei supports the creation of an independent Palestine based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. This position was reaffirmed by the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, in a message to the United Nations (UN) on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The Sultan also condemned the "illegal occupation" of Palestine and called for a two-state solution, urging the international community to take urgent action to end the occupation and achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East.

In addition to official statements, Brunei has provided practical support to Palestine through donations and fundraising campaigns. The country has made contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and provided food, education, and healthcare assistance to Palestinian refugees. In 2019, Brunei donated food for Ramadan, and in 2020, it provided funding for education and healthcare. In 2021, the country raised funds through the Palestine Humanitarian Fund initiative and provided 115,860 food packets to UNRWA.

Brunei has also joined other Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia, in issuing joint statements condemning Israeli actions and calling for a ceasefire during the 2023 Israel-Hamas war. The country has consistently voted against the United States recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel at the UN and has called for a negotiated settlement to the issue.

Brunei's condemnation of Israel

Brunei has a history of supporting Palestine and condemning Israel. The country does not have diplomatic ties with Israel but does recognize the State of Palestine. In 1984, the Sultan of Brunei spoke at a United Nations session where he condemned Israel and expressed support for a Palestinian State. This was followed by the country's recognition of Palestine in 1988 after the Palestinian Declaration of Independence. Brunei has consistently supported the creation of an independent Palestine based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In recent years, Brunei has continued to show its support for Palestine and its condemnation of Israel through various actions. In 2019, the country provided food donations for Ramadan through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The following year, they provided funding for education and healthcare. During the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, Brunei joined Indonesia and Malaysia in issuing a joint statement condemning Israeli actions and calling for a ceasefire. Brunei has also provided donations to Palestine through the Palestine Humanitarian Fund 2021 initiative and has raised funds through various channels, including the McDonald's franchisee in the country, which donated to a fund for Palestinians in Gaza.

In addition to official statements and donations, thousands of people in Brunei have also shown their solidarity with Palestinians through protests and demonstrations. These actions demonstrate the country's continued support for Palestine and its condemnation of Israeli policies and actions towards Palestinians.

The stance of Brunei, along with Malaysia and Indonesia, is not without domestic political calculation. It reflects the resonance of the Palestinian cause with powerful conservative domestic constituencies. Additionally, there is little downside to condemning Israel, with which Brunei has no formal diplomatic ties. However, the toughened stance of these Muslim-majority nations is a significant show of support for Palestinians, who have few remaining international allies.

Brunei's donations to Palestine

Brunei has a history of providing support and donations to Palestine, with the country's government and citizens expressing solidarity with Palestinians. Here is an overview of Brunei's donations to Palestine:

Humanitarian Aid and Relief Efforts

Brunei has provided humanitarian aid and supported relief efforts for Palestinians, particularly those affected by conflicts and crises. In 2021, the country established the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund to assist Palestinians in the Gaza Strip following Israeli airstrikes. This fund was set up in collaboration with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to deliver aid to people in Gaza and the West Bank. Brunei has worked with UNRWA on multiple occasions to provide aid to Palestinians, including in 2009 and 2012, raising significant funds.

Food Donations

Brunei has donated food to Palestine through the UNRWA. In 2019, they provided food for Ramadan, and in 2021, they supplied 115,860 food packets.

Education and Healthcare Support

Brunei has contributed to funding education and healthcare initiatives in Palestine. The country's support has helped half a million Palestinian children access education and enabled millions of Palestinians to receive basic healthcare annually. In 2020, Brunei provided funding specifically for education and healthcare services.

Condemnation of Israeli Actions

Brunei has consistently condemned Israeli actions and expressed support for Palestinian statehood. The country voted against the United States recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel at the United Nations, advocating for a negotiated settlement. Brunei has also joined joint statements with other Southeast Asian countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, condemning Israeli actions during conflicts and calling for ceasefires.

Public Protests and Fundraising

The people of Brunei have shown solidarity with Palestinians through public protests and fundraising efforts. During the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, thousands protested in Bandar Seri Begawan, and various fundraising activities were held to raise money for the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund.

Brunei's non-existent diplomatic ties with Israel

Brunei does not have diplomatic ties with Israel. It does, however, recognize the State of Palestine and has shown support for the creation of an independent Palestine based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Sultan of Brunei condemned Israel and expressed support for a Palestinian State in a 1984 speech at the United Nations session. In 1988, the country recognized Palestine following the Palestinian Declaration of Independence. Brunei also voted against the United States recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel at the United Nations.

In 2023, Brunei, along with Indonesia and Malaysia, issued a joint statement condemning Israeli actions during the Israel-Hamas war and calling for a ceasefire. All three Muslim-majority Southeast Asian countries do not have diplomatic ties with Israel.

Israel has expressed willingness to establish ties with Southeast Asia's Muslim-majority nations, including Brunei. However, as of 2024, there are no formal relations between the two countries.

Brunei's support for Palestine in the United Nations

Brunei has a history of supporting Palestine in the United Nations. The country has no diplomatic ties with Israel and officially recognised Palestine as a state in 1988, following the Palestinian Declaration of Independence.

In 1984, the Sultan of Brunei spoke at a United Nations session, condemning Israel and expressing support for a Palestinian state. This support has continued, with Brunei voting against the United States recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Brunei supports the creation of an independent Palestine based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Brunei has also provided donations and aid to Palestine through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This has included food for Ramadan in 2019, funding for education and healthcare in 2020, and 115,860 food packets in 2021. The country has also raised funds through the Palestine Humanitarian Fund initiative.

In 2023, Brunei, along with Indonesia and Malaysia, issued a joint statement condemning Israeli actions during the Israel-Hamas war and calling for a ceasefire.

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