The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed every year on November 29th, is a significant reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by Palestinians under Israeli occupation. This day, designated by the United Nations General Assembly, calls for worldwide attention to the plight of Palestinians and the violation of their fundamental rights. The date was chosen to mark the anniversary of the UN’s 1947 resolution that proposed the partition of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. While the resolution sought to bring a peaceful resolution to the issue, the situation has evolved into an ongoing crisis marked by Israel’s colonial and apartheid practices against Palestinians. This article examines the historical context, the resolutions passed by the UN, and the current realities of the Palestinian struggle.
Historical Context and UN Resolutions
The call for an International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was first made by the UN General Assembly in 1977 through resolution 32/40 B. This resolution was passed in recognition of the immense challenges Palestinians face and aims to raise global awareness of their suffering. November 29th was chosen to mark the anniversary of the UN’s adoption of resolution 181 (II) in 1947, which called for the partition of Palestine. Although the UN partition plan was never implemented, it laid the groundwork for the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent displacement of Palestinians.
Further UN resolutions, including resolution 60/37 of December 1, 2005, have reinforced the necessity of ongoing global advocacy for Palestinian rights. Resolution 60/37 specifically requested that the UN’s Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People continue to organise annual events and cultural programs to promote awareness of the Palestinian struggle.
One of the most pivotal resolutions in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is UNSC Resolution 242, passed on November 22, 1967. This resolution called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Palestinian territories and emphasised the necessity of a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, Israel has consistently violated this resolution by expanding illegal settlements and entrenching its occupation of Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
The Israeli Occupation and Apartheid System
For more than five decades, the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT) have been under Israeli military control, making it the longest occupation in modern history. Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem began in 1967 during the Six-Day War, and since then, the situation has only worsened.
One of the most disturbing features of Israel’s occupation is the expansion of illegal settlements. As of recent reports, over 600,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas designated for the future Palestinian state. These settlements are built on land that has been appropriated from Palestinian families, in clear violation of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention. Israel’s actions have been described as tantamount to apartheid, as they create an unequal and segregated reality, with Palestinians being subjected to a system of military law and restricted movement. At the same time, Israeli settlers live under civilian law and have greater access to resources.
Amnesty International reports that since 1967, Israel has appropriated more than 100,000 hectares of Palestinian land and destroyed over 50,000 Palestinian homes. The construction of settlements has displaced thousands of Palestinians, and these illegal practices continue to entrench Israel’s colonial enterprise.
The Ongoing War on Gaza: A Year of Devastation
As the world marks another International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, it is impossible to ignore the devastating toll of Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza. The latest escalation began on October 7, 2023, following an attack by Palestinian armed groups, including Hamas. In response, Israel launched a brutal bombing campaign that has resulted in the deaths of over 41,600 Palestinians, with a staggering number of children—16,756—among the victims. The scale of this violence is unprecedented, with Gaza being described as the deadliest place in the world for Palestinians.
The war has left over 97,000 Palestinians injured, with nearly 22,500 suffering life-altering injuries. Hospitals and healthcare facilities have been targeted by Israeli airstrikes, leaving many without access to essential medical care. As of the latest reports, 114 hospitals and clinics have been rendered inoperative, and more than 986 medical workers, including 165 doctors and 260 nurses, have been killed in the conflict.
In addition to the human casualties, the destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure has been catastrophic. Over 150,000 homes have been destroyed, and at least 123 schools and universities have been damaged or destroyed. More than 10,000 people are feared buried under the rubble, with efforts to rescue them hindered by the lack of equipment and the ongoing bombing.
Severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies have exacerbated the situation in Gaza. According to the UN, 96% of Gaza’s population faces food insecurity, with 1.7 million people suffering from contagious diseases due to poor sanitation and a lack of clean water. With water wells destroyed and the siege preventing the delivery of aid, Gaza’s population is facing a humanitarian crisis of unimaginable proportions.
Settler Violence and Expansion in the West Bank
While Gaza continues to bear the brunt of Israel’s military aggression, Palestinians in the West Bank are also experiencing widespread violence and displacement. Over the past year, Israeli settlers have ramped up attacks against Palestinian communities, with at least 1,423 incidents of settler violence recorded by the United Nations. These attacks often occur under the protection of Israeli soldiers and are part of a broader strategy to displace Palestinians and expand Israeli settlements.
The West Bank has seen a significant rise in settler attacks, with over 744 Palestinians killed since October 7, 2023, including 164 children. Settler violence is a daily occurrence, and in response to the escalating violence, the Israeli government has distributed over 120,000 firearms to settlers, further heightening tensions and the risk of violence. The policy of settlement expansion continues unabated, with the Israeli government approving thousands of new housing units for settlers in the occupied territories, further eroding the possibility of a two-state solution.
The Role of the International Community
The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People serves as a reminder that the Palestinian struggle is not only a regional issue but a global one. While the UN has passed numerous resolutions condemning Israeli actions and calling for the protection of Palestinian rights, these resolutions have largely been ignored by Israel. The international community must hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law, including the construction of settlements, the displacement of Palestinians, and the ongoing violence against civilians.
Organisations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the UN have continued to document and condemn Israel’s actions. Still, there has been little tangible action to stop the cycle of violence. The global call for justice, as epitomised by the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, must be amplified by governments, civil society, and individuals worldwide.
Conclusion
The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is a crucial moment for reflection and action. It highlights the ongoing struggle of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation and the human rights violations they endure daily. The resolutions passed by the UN, while important, are insufficient without concrete actions to ensure the protection of Palestinian rights and the realisation of their aspirations for justice, peace, and self-determination. The world must not disregard the continued suffering of the Palestinian people. It must work towards a lasting solution based on international law, human rights, and dignity for all.
