A European Perspective, Edinburgh, Edinburgh University Press, 2007 A History of Palestinian Resistance, Al Aqsa Publishers, Leicester, 2005 The Israeli Law of Return & its Impact on the Struggle in Palestine, Palestinian Return Centre, London, 2004. Istanbul Declaration controversy In March 2009, the Observer newspaper reported that individuals including Abdullah had signed what became known as the Istanbul Declaration (not to be confused with the 2004 Istanbul summit) in January of that year. This was in relation to opposition to Operation Cast Lead, the Israeli military action in Gaza of December 2008 and January 2009. The BBC reported the conference as clerics meeting "senior Hamas officials to plot a new jihad centred on Gaza". In an open letter from the then Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears wrote to the MCB saying Abdullah should be asked to resign his post for signing the statement which supported Hamas and celebrated its "victory" against "this malicious Jewish Zionist war over Gaza". In her letter, dated 13 March, Blears wrote: "In light of the MCB's unequivocal stance on violence, it would seem that Dr Abdullah's position as the deputy secretary general would be incompatible with his recent actions." The deadline set by Blears for Abdullah's dismissal passed, with MCB leaders deciding to stand by him. In a response, also published in the Guardian newspaper, Abdullah called her remarks a "misguided and ill-advised attempt to exercise control" stated his intention to remain in position. Subsequently, he announced his intention to sue Hazel Blears, in respect of her office, should she not retract her letter and issue an apology by 15 April 2009. A letter from the Treasury Solicitors, acting on behalf of Hazel Blears and HM Government, to Dr. Abdullah's solicitors revealed their willingness to continue with such a course of action . It closed with the statement, "It follows, of course, that your offer of settlement is rejected". No further reports of attempts to pursue a libel case by Adbullah or the MCB have been heard. References External links Staff and Trustees Centre for the Study of Terrorism Office Bearers Muslim Council of Britain MCB Office Bearers 2006-2008 Muslim Council of Britain Palestinian Return Centre English Muslims Living people 1955 births King Saud University alumni People from St. George's, Grenada Grenadian emigrants to England University of Khartoum alumni