Hyderabad: November 29 is observed annually as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The day this year is more significant than ever given how Israel has broken all records of human rights violations in the garb of 'self-defense' this year and killed thousands of civilians, the majority of whom are children and women, in the besieged Gaza Strip since the Hamas attack of October 7.
Soon after the October 7 Hamas attack in which 1200 people were killed, Israel launched massive air strikes that continued for several weeks in Gaza after blocking food, water, fuel, and medicines in the densely populated region. Israeli airstrikes and its ground forces have killed nearly 15,000 Palestinians and destroyed around 160,000 homes in Gaza.
The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people stands as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the Palestinian people and emphasises the global community's commitment to their cause. This day holds profound historical significance and serves as a platform to reaffirm solidarity with Palestine and its people.
History-The United Nations General Assembly designated November 29 as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people in 1977. This day is deeply intertwined with the history of the Palestinian struggle. The United Nations adopted Resolution 181 on November 29, 1947, also known as the Partition Plan, which aimed to divide British Mandate Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. This resolution became a pivotal point in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, leading to significant changes in the region's political landscape.
Significance- The day symbolises global recognition and support for the Palestinian cause, calling for an end to the plight faced by Palestinians, including the challenges of occupation, displacement, and the quest for self-determination. It serves as an opportunity to advocate for the rights of Palestinians and the establishment of a viable, sovereign Palestinian state.