International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

On November 29 of each year, the world commemorates the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People . This date not only represents an occasion to remember the long struggle of the Palestinian people for their rights and their land, but it is also a call for global solidarity in search of a peaceful and just solution to the conflict in the Middle East. Over the decades, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a constant source of tension and violence in the region, and Solidarity Day gives us the opportunity to reflect on its roots, consequences and possible paths to peace.

Origins of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Jewish immigration to Palestine under the British Mandate began to increase significantly. This led to tensions between the Jewish and Arab populations in the region, as both groups claimed the land as their own. After World War II and the Holocaust, international support for the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine increased, and in 1947, the United Nations approved the Partition Plan of Palestine, which divided the territory into two states: one Jewish and another Arab, with Jerusalem under international administration.

However, the partition plan was rejected by most Arab and Palestinian states, leading to the Arab-Israeli War of 1948. As a result of the war, Israel declared its independence and occupied a territory much larger than the allocated by the original partition plan, displacing hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees.

Since then, the conflict has been characterized by a series of wars, violent clashes and territorial disputes, with multiple attempts at mediation and resolution that have largely failed. The core of the conflict lies in issues such as the occupation of Palestinian territories, Jewish settlements in the West Bank, the status of Jerusalem and the right of return of Palestinian refugees. These issues continue to be major obstacles to peace in the region.

The Importance of Solidarity Day

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was established in 1977, when the United Nations General Assembly approved Resolution 32/40 B, with the aim of promoting international awareness and solidarity towards the Palestinian issue. The choice of November 29 as the commemorative date coincides with the approval of United Nations Resolution 181 in 1947, which gave rise to the partition plan of Palestine. Since then, this day has served as an annual reminder of the plight of the Palestinian people and the need for a just and lasting solution to the conflict.

Solidarity Day seeks to draw attention to several key aspects of the conflict:

Human and Humanitarian Rights
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has had a high human cost. Over the decades, thousands of Palestinians and Israelis have lost their lives, and many more have been injured. Furthermore, the occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza have led to a series of humanitarian challenges, such as lack of access to basic services, destruction of infrastructure and restriction of people's movement.

Palestinian Refugees
The issue of Palestinian refugees is one of the most sensitive and controversial issues of the conflict. Millions of Palestinians were forced to flee their homes during the 1948 War and subsequent conflicts. United Nations Resolution 194 establishes the right of return of Palestinian refugees to their homes, but this issue remains a point of conflict in peace negotiations.

Settlements and Occupied Territories
The construction of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem has been a constant topic of dispute. The international community considers these settlements to be illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace. The continued expansion of settlements further complicates the possibility of a two-state solution.

Jerusalem and the Holy Places
Jerusalem is a holy city for Jews, Christians and Muslims, and its status is a critical point of dispute. Israel views Jerusalem as its unified capital, while the Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. The question of Jerusalem is one of the most difficult to resolve in any peace negotiation.

Call to Solidarity and Peace

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is an opportunity to reflect on the difficult realities faced by Palestinians in their struggle for self-determination and human rights. It is a reminder that, after decades of conflict and suffering, it is essential that the international community remains committed to finding a just and peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Peace in the Middle East would not only benefit Israelis and Palestinians, but would have a positive impact on the region as a whole. Resolving this conflict would contribute to stability and cooperation in a region that has faced a series of challenges and tensions in recent decades.

To move towards peace and justice in the region, it is essential that the parties involved, the international community and civil society take concrete measures. Some of the necessary actions include:

Dialogue and Negotiation
Direct dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians is essential to resolve the conflict. Both sides must commit to returning to the negotiating table and addressing outstanding issues, such as borders, refugees, Jerusalem and settlements.

Respect for International Law
Respect for international law is fundamental to any sustainable solution. This implies the cessation of settlement construction and the end of the occupation in the West Bank, as well as respect for the rights of Palestinian refugees.

Support for Civil Society
Civil society plays an important role in promoting peace and justice. The international community must support non-governmental organizations working in the region and promote cooperation between different communities.

International Commitment
The United States, the European Union, and other key actors must remain committed to the two-state solution and work together to promote an effective peace process.

Education and Awareness
Education and awareness are essential to foster understanding and empathy around the conflict. It is important that people inform themselves about the situation and perspectives of both parties.

Attention to Humanitarian Needs
While seeking a political solution, it is essential to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the population in the region, including assistance to Palestinian refugees and improving living conditions in Gaza and the West Bank.

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is an annual reminder of the need to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and move towards a peaceful and just solution. Peace in the Middle East is an achievable goal, but it will require the commitment and cooperation of all parties involved, as well as the international community as a whole. The suffering and instability that has characterized the region for decades must be replaced by hope and reconciliation. Through solidarity and joint effort, we can work towards a more peaceful and just future for Israelis and Palestinians.