Head of the Bar Association: Resumption of the Legal Oath Ceremony for New Lawyers in Gaza and the Restoration of the Bar’s Work with Determination and Resolve Despite the Destruction
Today, in the Gaza Strip, a legal oath ceremony was held for (58) male and female lawyers, in a national atmosphere reflecting the determination and resolve of the Palestinian Bar Association to restore its role and continue its mission, despite the destruction it has suffered as a result of the aggression.
The ceremony was organized in the presence of the Head of the Palestinian Bar Association, lawyer Fadi Abbas, via video conference from the city of Ramallah, alongside Deputy Head of the Bar, lawyer Safi Al-Dahdouh, Secretary of the Bar, lawyer Ziad Al-Najjar, Treasurer, lawyer Ali Al-Dann, and Bar Council member, lawyer Mazhar Al-Hasanat. Also participating via video conference were Bar Council members lawyer Hala Al-Sharif and lawyer Abdul Aziz Al-Ghalayini, with the attendance of Dr. Mohammad Shubair, Vice President of Al-Azhar University.
In his speech, Head of the Bar, lawyer Fadi Abbas, saluted his colleagues, members of the Bar Council in Gaza, commending their significant efforts in reactivating the work of the Bar and continuing to provide its services. He also extended condolences for the martyrs of the Bar, their families, and the broader community of lawyers.
Abbas affirmed that the convening of this event represents a clear message of the Bar’s return to work with full determination and resolve, despite the destruction inflicted on its headquarters. He stressed that the Bar will be rebuilt with the firm will and determination of its General Assembly and Council, as the first line of defense for justice and the rights of the Palestinian people.
He emphasized that the Palestinian Bar Association, with its centers in Jerusalem and Gaza, will remain unified, not divided by geography or the conditions of aggression, affirming that the unity of the professional body is a fundamental pillar in confronting challenges and strengthening the resilience of the profession.
In his remarks, Abbas condemned the crimes committed against the Palestinian people, affirming that these crimes are not subject to statute of limitations and will remain alive in the memory and conscience of the Palestinian people. He stressed that the Palestinian people, as always, will continue to adhere to their legitimate rights until justice is achieved. He also condemned what is known as the “law for the execution of Palestinian prisoners,” describing it as a blatant violation of all international norms, conventions, and the rules of international humanitarian law, and affirmed that the path of accountability and justice must take its course in light of the injustice faced by the Palestinian people.
Abbas concluded his speech by thanking Al-Azhar University for hosting the ceremony and congratulating the new lawyers on the transfer of their names to the roll of practicing lawyers. He called upon them to uphold their professional and national responsibilities with a high sense of duty and to remain committed to the mission of the legal profession in defending rights, justice, and serving the Palestinian people.
In the university’s speech, Dr. Shubair welcomed the Head and members of the Bar Association and the new lawyers, affirming Al-Azhar University’s pride in its relationship with the Bar. He congratulated the graduates from the Faculty of Law and sister universities, highlighting the importance of their role in defending the rights of the Palestinian people and promoting justice and the rule of law.
For his part, Deputy Head of the Bar, lawyer Safi Al-Dahdouh, welcomed the Head of the Palestinian Bar Association, lawyer Fadi Abbas, commending his efforts and acknowledging the support of the Bar Council members, especially in the Gaza center, in strengthening the unity and cohesion of the professional body. Al-Dahdouh stressed that the ceremony embodies the Bar’s determination to continue its role despite targeting and destruction, noting the loss of (245) martyrs among its members during the recent events. He affirmed that the admission of new lawyers represents a national and moral responsibility to defend rights and advocate for the oppressed.
He also affirmed the continuation of the Bar’s efforts to document the crimes of the occupation and pursue them legally, reiterating his condemnation of the law for the execution of Palestinian prisoners, and calling on the international community for urgent intervention to halt these policies. He concluded his remarks by honoring the martyrs and congratulating the new lawyers.
In a closing address, Secretary of the Bar, lawyer Ziad Al-Najjar, presented recommendations to the new lawyers, emphasizing adherence to the ethics of the profession, safeguarding the mission of the legal profession, working with a spirit of responsibility, and upholding integrity and independence. He called on them to prepare for taking the legal oath, marking the beginning of their professional journey.
