Renowned researcher Mutaz M. Qafisheh, Professor of International Law at Hebron University, Palestine, and Chair of the Board of Trustees at Law for Palestine, has recently published a research article in volume 160 of the Marine Policy Journal. Titled “From Constantinople to Oslo to Gaza: Developments of Palestine’s maritime legislation under colonization,” the complete volume is set to be released in February 2024.

The article delves into Palestine’s challenges in regulating maritime affairs due to its colonial history spanning over a century. Professor Qafisheh asserts that Palestine’s accession to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 2015 provides a crucial opportunity to formulate comprehensive legislation, paving the way for the integration of international maritime law into domestic frameworks. This alignment is consistently encouraged by the UN General Assembly on an annual basis. By adopting UNCLOS-based laws, Palestine could potentially leverage specific maritime rights in interactions with UNCLOS State parties, international organizations, law of the sea tribunals, or entities involved in maritime activities such as shipping, submarines, oil rigs, and aircraft.

Qafisheh emphasizes that while the reform process is distinct from the State’s enforcement capabilities, the domestication of maritime laws holds the promise of enhancing Palestine’s global standing, bolstering its credibility, and contributing to its overall independence.

Full text available here for free download and share until February 4, 2024: click