The ‘International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People’ on 29 November: Know its History, Importance & Significance

November 29th has been recognized as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People since 1978, and it has since gained prominence on the international calendar. This day, which was inspired by a request made by the UN General Assembly, represents a shared commitment to support the rights and ambitions of the Palestinian people. Through its diplomatic efforts, financial support, and humanitarian aid, Turkey has shown its unwavering commitment to the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Turkey continues to be a crucial player in the quest for a peaceful and independent Palestine by actively addressing the urgent needs in Gaza and supporting a fair resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People: History and Reasons behind the day-

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is observed on November 29th every year by the United Nations to mark the partition vote that led to establishing the state of Israel. Here are the key reasons why this day is commemorated:

1. Mark Historic Palestine Vote: It marks UN General Assembly resolution 181 of November 29, 1947 which approved the partition of the British Mandate for Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states.
2. Palestinian Dispossession: The day calls attention to the subsequent Palestinian exodus and displacement following the 1948 Arab-Israeli war that erupted after the partition. More than 700,000 Palestinians have been forced to leave their homes.
3. Recognize Aspirations: The day recognizes the aspirations of the Palestinian people for their sovereign homeland as part of the two-state framework for peaceful resolution of the conflict.
4. Show Solidarity: It reflects solidarity from the UN and wider international community with Palestinian citizens in their struggle amid prolonged occupation and efforts to achieve self-determination.
5. Call for Peace Efforts: The observances renew the call to expedite diplomatic efforts and peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine to ultimately achieve an independent state of Palestine.

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People: Importance and Significance

This day serves as an annual reminder to the international community of its support for the Palestinian people in their quest for freedom and peace. The rights of the Palestinian people—namely, the right to national sovereignty and independence, the right to self-determination free from outside interference, and the right to return to their homes and property—have not yet been granted by the UNGA.

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People holds major significance as it:

1. Keeps alight the focus on the ethnic group dispossessed from the partition of land and the decades-long struggle of Palestinians to achieve security, development and statehood.
2. Highlights the importance of a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to pave way for peaceful coexistence between both nationalities.
3. Draws global attention to the Palestinian issues of territory, refugees, settlements, economic sustainability, East Jerusalem that require urgent resolution through ongoing peace negotiations.
4. Reaffirms the UN’s and international community’s commitment to advocate for the rights to self-determination of Palestinians and their freedom.
5. Galvanizes civil society, governments, diplomatic channels and people around the world to demonstrate support and offer solidarity to Palestinian civilians as a stateless and occupied people group.
6. Renews efforts each year to reignite dialogue and diplomacy between Israeli and Palestinian leaders to work towards proposed two-state solutions.

Therefore, annually commemorating this day plays a key role in keeping alive the vision of a viable independent State of Palestine under United Nations resolutions.