This Saturday, 29.11, marks the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed each year by the United Nations since the adoption of Resolution 181. The day serves as a reminder of the world’s responsibility toward a struggle that remains unresolved after decades.
Its meaning is even more profound today, in light of the catastrophe that has struck Gaza since the genocide launched on 07.10.2023. More than one hundred and sixty thousand people have been killed or injured, most of them children and women, with more than ten thousand still missing under the rubble. Vast areas have been destroyed, famine has taken the lives of children and the elderly, and attacks in the West Bank including Jerusalem have sharply increased.
In response, cities, campuses and public spaces around the world have witnessed massive marches and solidarity actions calling for an end to the massacres. Alongside this global movement, official and legal pressure has grown. States have filed cases before the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, some countries have cut diplomatic ties with the occupation system, and a rising number of governments have recognised the State of Palestine. International warrants have also been issued for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant.
Across the world, solidarity groups, Palestinian communities and supporting organisations are marking this day with political, cultural and public events, following the call of the United Nations. Activities include public messages, community meetings, educational materials and film screenings. At UN headquarters in New York, the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People is holding its annual session, alongside a Palestinian exhibition or cultural event. The Division for Palestinian Rights is also releasing its yearly bulletin of official statements and messages.
This international day serves as a reminder that the Palestinian cause remains without a fair solution despite numerous UN resolutions. Palestinians are still denied their basic rights: the right to self determination, an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the 1967 borders, and the right of return to their homes and properties.
On 29.11.2012, Palestine became a non member observer state at the United Nations. On 30.09.2015, the Palestinian flag was raised for the first time at UN headquarters around the world. These steps carry deep symbolic meaning and reflect an ongoing struggle for freedom and dignity.
