Activating Palestine's Membership in Interpol: Between Legal Challenges and Political Hurdles رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

This study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities arising from Palestine's accession to INTERPOL and its potential to contribute to achieving justice, enhancing security, and improving Palestine's international standing. Using an analytical and descriptive methodology, the study delved into the legal status of the occupied Palestinian territories, analyzed the implications of Palestine's INTERPOL membership, and explored the agreements and laws governing its participation. A historical approach was employed to trace the development of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and Palestine's emergence as a state, while field interviews with officials from Palestinian police and international law experts provided practical insights. The study was constrained by objective, spatial, and temporal boundaries, focusing on the territories occupied in 1967, Palestine’s INTERPOL membership from 2017 to 2023, and the associated legal and political dynamics. The findings revealed that Palestine's membership in INTERPOL represents a significant legal and political achievement, offering tools to combat transnational crimes and pursue justice through international mechanisms, such as issuing red notices. However, the Israeli occupation imposes considerable barriers, including restrictions on police mobility and infrastructure development, undermining the effective implementation of international agreements. Moreover, Israeli interference hampers Palestine's ability to fully benefit from INTERPOL membership. Despite these challenges, INTERPOL membership has enhanced Palestine's legal capabilities, improved its international diplomatic relations, and strengthened its commitment to global security standards. Recommendations emphasized upgrading Palestine’s security infrastructure, aligning national laws with INTERPOL standards, and leveraging diplomatic efforts to counter external pressures while promoting cooperation and transparency within the international community.