International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is an international observance held annually on November 29, aimed at drawing attention to the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people and the resolution of the Palestinian issue. The day highlights the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, national independence and sovereignty and the return of displaced persons to their homes and properties.
History
The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 32/40 B dated December 2, 1977, decided that November 29 would be commemorated as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. This date marks the anniversary of resolution 181 (II), known as the “Partition Plan for Palestine,” adopted by the General Assembly on November 29, 1947. The resolution envisaged the establishment of an Arab and a Jewish state on Palestinian territory; however, the plan was not implemented. Beginning in 1978, the day has been observed annually with events aimed at raising awareness of the international recognition and support for the Palestinian people.
Purpose and Significance
The purpose of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is to draw the attention of the international community to the unresolved nature of the Palestinian issue and to remind it of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. The United Nations General Assembly defines these rights as the right to self-determination without external interference, the right to national independence and sovereignty and the right of displaced persons to return to their homes and properties. The day seeks to strengthen the sense of international solidarity and to raise awareness about the conditions in which the Palestinian people live.
Global Commemorations and United Nations Activities
The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 60/37 dated December 1, 2005, tasked the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and the Division for Palestinian Rights with organizing exhibitions and cultural events as part of the November 29 activities. These events are generally held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and in various member states. The commemoration of the day carries symbolic importance as an expression of international support for the Palestinian people. United Nations resolutions encourage member states to support and promote this day with broad participation.
Commemorations and Support Activities in Türkiye
Türkiye approaches the resolution of the Palestinian issue within the framework of a two-state solution and, accordingly, supports international initiatives. Based on relevant United Nations resolutions, the Madrid Principles, the Roadmap, and the Arab Peace Initiative, Türkiye advocates the establishment of an independent Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital. Supporting efforts for the international recognition of Palestine, Türkiye endorsed the decision granting Palestine the status of a “non-member observer state” at the United Nations General Assembly vote on November 29, 2012. Then Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu participated in the vote and delivered a speech in favor of Palestine. The resolution was adopted with 138 votes, granting Palestine the right to accede to international treaties.
Türkiye also implements economic, technical, and humanitarian assistance programs for the Palestinian people. Through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), support has included $850,000 for fuel supply to generators at hospitals and wastewater pumping stations in Gaza, $700,000 for emergency medicines and medical supplies to Gaza, and 10,000 tons of flour through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Türkiye’s solidarity with the Palestinian people is maintained through both humanitarian assistance and diplomatic support.
