The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is observed by the United Nations on November 29 to commemorate the adoption of the UN resolution partitioning Palestine into two states. The United Nations traditionally commemorates the day by holding its annual debate on the Palestinian question. 

This day is being observed since 1978. “International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is observed annually on or around 29 November, solemnly commemorating the adoption by the Assembly, on 29 November 1947, of resolution 181 (II), which provided for the partition of Palestine into two States. The observance is held at United Nations Headquarters, the United Nations Offices at Geneva and Vienna and elsewhere,” the UN said.

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The global body’s secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, urged the international community to reaffirm its support for the Palestinian people in building their future.

“The situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory remains a challenge to int’l peace & security,” Guterres tweeted on Sunday. “On #PalestineDay, let’s reaffirm commitment to the Palestinian people in their quest to achieve their rights & build a future of peace & dignity for both Palestinians & Israelis,” he added.

The UN will hold a special meeting to commemorate the occasion, which will be attended by the President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), the President of the UN Security Council, and the UN Chef de Cabinet, who will speak on Guterres’ behalf. The event will take place at 10 am in New York (8.30pm IST). Abdulla Shahid, the President of the United Nations General Assembly, previously served as the Maldivian Foreign Minister. The Palestinian mission to the United Nations has also confirmed that it will attend the day’s events.

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The Gaza Strip and the West Bank are referred to as the Palestinian Territories (including East Jerusalem). Currently, the Palestinian Authority is in charge of 39% of the West Bank. Israel maintains direct military and civilian control over 61 percent of the West Bank.