The annual observation on November 29 commemorates the day in 1947 when the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to partition Palestine into two independent states—one Arab and one Jewish. This resolution laid the groundwork for the 1948 displacement of Palestinians from the land that eventually became Israel, known as the Nakba (“catastrophe” in Arabic).
This year, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was marked against the backdrop of the recent conflict in the Gaza Strip, where a truce between Israel and Hamas held for six days but faces uncertainty in its continuation.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged the dire situation in Gaza, describing it as a “humanitarian catastrophe.” Almost 1.7 million people have been displaced, with nowhere deemed safe. Guterres also expressed concern about the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, stating that the situation risks boiling over.
Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East), emphasized the prolonged crisis faced by Palestine refugees, describing the situation in Gaza as reminiscent of the collective trauma experienced in 1948. UNRWA provides essential services, including education, healthcare, and social protection, to approximately five million Palestine refugees across the Middle East.
Lazzarini affirmed UNRWA’s commitment to staying and expanding operations in Gaza, despite the challenging conditions. Over one million people in Gaza are now housed in overcrowded shelters, highlighting the urgent need for sustained humanitarian efforts.
Speaking at UN Headquarters in New York, General Assembly President Dennis Francis expressed sorrow for lives lost in the past seven weeks and over the past seven decades. He stressed the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to live in dignity, freedom of movement, and access to basic services. Francis called for the restoration and sustenance of hope, particularly among younger generations who have not experienced peace.
The international community was urged to fulfill its duty of care by reaffirming the principle that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Francis emphasized the imperative need for permanent peace in the Middle East, calling for dialogue, adherence to relevant UN resolutions, and support for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.
As hopes for an extension of the truce in Gaza linger, the focus remains on optimizing the respite from hostilities to address the urgent needs of Palestinians. The call for peace and humanitarian assistance echoes louder than ever, emphasizing the collective responsibility to work towards lasting solutions in the region.
