Key Takeaways
International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People is celebrated on 29th November.
Palestinian people have yet to attain their inalienable rights, namely, the right to self-determination without external interference, the right to national independence and sovereignty and the right to return to their homes and property, from which they have been displaced.
The roots of the Palestinian conflict lie in the displacement of the Palestinian people from their ancestral lands in 1948 and the subsequent creation of Israel; which led to several wars and resulted in grievous consequences.
On this day, various events are held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, as well as at the United Nations offices in Geneva, Vienna and Nairobi.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Origin and Significance
How the day is observed
Conclusion
Introduction
29th November is observed as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People since 1978. The International Day of Solidarity traditionally provides an opportunity for the international community to focus its attention on the fact that the question of Palestine remains unresolved and that the Palestinian people are yet to attain their inalienable rights as defined by the General Assembly, namely, the right to self-determination without external interference, the right to national independence and sovereignty, and the right to return to their homes and property, from which they have been displaced.
Origin and Significance
The roots of the Palestinian conflict lie in the displacement of the Palestinian people from their ancestral lands in 1948. Palestine was among former Ottoman territories placed under the UK administration by the League of Nations in 1922. All of these territories eventually became fully independent States, except Palestine, where the British Mandate incorporated the “Balfour Declaration” of 1917, expressing support for “the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people”. Arab demands for independence and resistance to Jewish immigration led to a rebellion in 1937, followed by continuing terrorism and violence from both sides.
In 1947, the UK turned the Palestine problem over to the UN which proposed terminating the Mandate and partitioning Palestine into two independent States, one Palestinian Arab and the other Jewish, with Jerusalem internationalised (Resolution 181 (II) of 1947). During the 1948 war with the Arab states, one of the two planned states, Israel, declared its independence and grew to occupy 77% of the mandate Palestine land, including the majority of Jerusalem.
The Nakba, or “catastrophe,” resulted in the displacement of over 700,000 Palestinians, who became refugees in neighbouring countries and within the occupied territories. Since then, the Palestinian people have been subjected to a cycle of occupation, violence, and displacement.
The enduring Israeli occupation has inflicted a devastating impact on the lives of Palestinians. The closure of Gaza, expansion of settlements and imposition of restrictions on movement have resulted in a humanitarian crisis in the occupied territories. Palestinians thus face widespread poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity. The Israeli military’s use of excessive force against Palestinian civilians, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and home demolitions, has further exacerbated the suffering of the Palestinian people and undermined their hopes for a just peace.
The majority of Palestinians currently reside in Israel, neighbouring Arab States, East Jerusalem, and the Palestinian territories that Israel has occupied since 1967, as well as in regional refugee camps.
This date, 29th November, which was chosen because of its meaning and significance to the Palestinian people, is thus, based on the call by the United Nations General Assembly for an annual observance of the resolution on the partition of Palestine.
How the day is observed
In response to the call of the United Nations, various activities are undertaken annually by Governments and civil society in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. These activities include, among other things, the issuance of special messages of solidarity with the Palestinian people, the organisation of meetings, the dissemination of publications and other information material, and the screening of films.
The United Nations Information Centres and Services worldwide are available to assist Governments, NGOs and others wishing to organise special activities in connection with the observance by providing information and documentation.
Conclusion
This day embodies a collective commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict and advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people. It signifies a united stance in the pursuit of a peaceful resolution, recognising the importance of justice, equality, and respect for human rights. November 29th is, therefore, the day for the international community to come together, and strive for a better future and peace.
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