International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, dear friends, I declare the meeting open and would like to welcome all speakers and participants assembled here today at this special meeting to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The special meeting is webcast live on the UN Web TV platform to allow interested participants to follow the event virtually. It is my honor to read out the message of the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, on this occasion. Every year on this day, the international community stands in solidarity for the dignity, rights, justice, and self-determination of the Palestinian people. This year's commemoration is especially painful as those fundamental goals are as distant as they have ever been. Nothing justifies the 7 October terror attacks by Hamas and the taking of hostages. And nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. Yet, more than a year later, Gaza is in ruins. More than 43,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been reportedly killed. And the humanitarian crisis is getting worse by the day. This is appalling and inexcusable. Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations, settlement expansion, evictions, demolitions, settler violence, and threats of annexation are inflicting further pain and injustice. It is past time for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages, an end to the unlawful occupation of the Palestinian territory, as confirmed by the International Court of Justice and the General Assembly, and irreversible progress towards a two-state solution, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and Jerusalem as the capital of both states. As a matter of urgency, I appeal for full support of life-saving humanitarian relief for the Palestinian people, in particular through the work of UNRWA, which represents an irreplaceable lifeline for millions of Palestinians. The United Nations will continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights to live in peace, security, and dignity. This was the end of the Secretary-General's message. I now invite Her Excellency Ms. Juliet Imene Chanduru, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Namibia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, to take the floor and deliver a message on behalf of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

Thank you very much, Director-General. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. Today, we once again gather to observe the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, not a mere commemoration, but as a solemn reminder of unfulfilled promises and denied rights. 76 years after the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 1812, which envisioned two states living side by side in peace and security, the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people remain unrealized. This year's commemoration takes place amid unprecedented suffering. The Gaza conflict, now stretching beyond 400 days, has inflicted devastating human and material losses. Over 44,000 Palestinian lives have been lost, 70% of whom are women and children. More than 100,000 have been injured, and 1,000 more are believed to be still buried under the rubble. Gaza's 2.4 million residents face a humanitarian catastrophe. A relentless blockade compounded by devastating military assaults by Israel, the occupying power, have left families without food, water, electricity, or essential supplies. Gaza has been made uninhabitable by design, with schools, hospitals, and homes lying in ruins, and the basic necessities of life have been weaponized. In the words of UNRWA Commissioner General, it is a place where the smell of death is everywhere as bodies are left lying on the roads or under the rubble. We must act to end this catastrophe. At the same time, in the occupied West Bank, Israel's settler violence continues to escalate, with impunity, fostering a climate of lawlessness. The creeping annexation of Palestinian lands erodes not only the prospects for peace, but also the viability of a future for Palestinian state. These actions, illegal under international law, as just this year reiterated by the International Court of Justice, persist unabated. highlighting the cost of a global inaction. We must act to end this injustice. The grim reality which we are facing day in and day out forces us to confront a fundamental truth. Palestinians deserve dignity, respect, and the same inalienable rights afforded to all people. Dehumanizing rhetoric and calls to obliterate their identity or their right to exist as a nation are not only a stain on the perpetrators, but a stain on our humanity. The United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People condemns such injustices unequivocally. and urges that the international community acts decisively to end them and to achieve, finally and long overdue, the establishment and full recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state, equal amongst nations. To deny these rights to the Palestinian people is to betray the principles of humanity injustice we claim to uphold. Distinguished delegates, the failure of the international system to act decisively, and particularly the inability of the Security Council to enforce its legally binding resolutions, has deepened the suffering of the Palestinian people. This unacceptable failure and abdication of responsibility reflects not just an institutional paralysis and threatens the credibility of our organization, but also a glaring moral deficit. This inaction and the impunity granted to Israel's violation has emboldened its disrespect of international law, leaving the Palestinian people defenseless in the face of relentless aggression and defying the very principle of the UN Charter. We are encouraged by the action of the ICC, which restores fractured confidence in the rule of law. We urge all member states to do their part to ensure accountability. Today, UNRWA, the lifeline of millions of Palestinian refugees, and a UN-mandated agency is under attack politically, financially, and rhetorically. These efforts to undermine and effectively end the agency throughout the occupied Palestinian territory are deeply troubling and a further threat to peace. As the occupying power, Israel has no legal authority to terminate UNRWA's mandate. Its attempts to restrict or ban UN operations in the occupied Palestinian territory represents a direct challenge to the authority of the United Nations and the collective will of the international community, expressed by the mandate the General Assembly adopted in 1949 when it established the agency, and which has continuously been upheld. Distinguished delegates, despite these dire circumstances, there are reasons for hope. The General Assembly's adoption of resolution ES-10/24 of September 18, 2024, which seeks the implementation of the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on the illegality of the Israeli occupation, and the requirement to end it is a significant step forward. This resolution reminds Member States of their obligation to take concrete action, including imposing arms embargoes on those violating international law. These lessons of history are clear. The global solidarity that ended apartheid in South Africa and Namibia demonstrates that Collective will can achieve change. All member states must apply the same resolve to end the Israeli occupation and secure justice for the people of Palestine. Neutrality in the face of injustice is complicity. In the work of our committee, we take comfort in the words of former Secretary General Ban Ki-moon that echoed today and I quote, "No occupation that oppresses a people can last forever," end quote. We therefore appeal to the Security Council and all its member states to fulfill their responsibility by urgently considering actions needed in response to the GA resolutions to swiftly end Israel's illegal occupation of the Palestinian territory, foremost through the implementation of its numerous resolutions. Today, we must resolve that this day will not merely commemorate unfulfilled rights, but serve as a turning point for action. We call on all Member States to unite in pursuing a just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine. The path forward is clear. End the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory in its entirety. Halt violence, both the relentless military assault in Gaza and escalating settler aggression in West Bank. And uphold international law with accountability. Humanitarian lifelines like UNRWA must be protected, and Gaza's reconstruction must be prioritized under Palestinian leadership. Our actions must restart towards the two-state solution based on UN resolutions and on the pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. The time for action is now. Justice for the Palestinian people can no longer wait. The world is watching, and history will judge us not by our words, but by our actions. Let us act with urgency, courage, determination to fulfill the vision of a two-state Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace, security, and mutual recognition. And I thank you.

I thank Ambassador Imane Chanduru for her statement. I now invite Her Excellency Ms. Himali Subhashini Arunatilaka, Ambassador, Permanent Representative for the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, to take the floor and deliver a message on behalf of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and other Arabs of the Occupied Territories.

Thank you, Madam Chair, Director-General, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. I have the honor to read out the message by the Chair of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories. On the solemn occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I thank you for the opportunity to deliver this message in my capacity as the Chair of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories. When we met last year, the situation in both the Gaza and West Bank was deeply distressing. The situation today is even worse. The escalating violence, immense loss of civilian lives, and destruction persist unabated. The humanitarian crisis, particularly in Gaza, where people continue to be deprived of basic resources, including food and nutrition, has reached catastrophic levels. Amidst the unfolding catastrophe, The majority of the international community assert the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and continue to emphasize the need for a ceasefire and the provision of humanitarian relief, as well as adherence to international law. However, 76 years after the adoption of the General Assembly Resolution 1812, envisioning a two-state solution, these hopes remain unfulfilled. The situation today is dire, with death, destruction, mass displacement, and regional destabilization with possible global ramifications. The International Court of Justice is examining allegations of violations of international law that may constitute grave crimes against humanity. On 18 November, I presented the 56th report of the Special Committee. This report of the Special Committee investigating Israeli practices affecting the human rights of Palestinians highlights a dire situation, particularly in Gaza. The report emphasized that the current circumstances represent a regression to unchecked violence and persecution. undermining international law and causing immense suffering. The findings reveal that Israel's military operations have caused catastrophic damage to essential services, leading to long term health risks and environmental disasters. The report critiques Israel's use of AI in military targeting, which has resulted in high civilian casualties, particularly among women and children. It also addresses issues of sexual violence against Palestinian women and the deliberate targeting of civilians. Moreover, the report discusses the suppression of media and dissent, contributing to a narrative that obscures the realities in Gaza and the West Bank, where similar alarming trends are occurring. The report calls for immediate action to halt support for Israel's actions, emphasizing the need for accountability from member states to uphold international law and protect Palestinian rights. The urgency of the situation is underscored, warning that inaction will have lasting consequences for global peace and security. It was in 1977 that the General Assembly adopted resolution 32/40B, declaring 29th November as the International Day for Solidarity with the Palestinian People. However, 47 years later, we are still grappling with a situation where peace and peaceful coexistence between the states of Israel and Palestine seem as illusory as ever. We reiterate our commitment to a just, lasting, comprehensive and peaceful solution to the question of Palestine, based on the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, including the right to an independent state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. Let us remember that our response to this issue, or the lack of it, will determine the moral and ethical foundation of our international system. In conclusion, I reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people during these challenging times and our steadfast support for their pursuit of statehood. Thank you.

I thank Ambassador Aruna Chellappa for her statement. I now invite His Excellency Mr. Hichem Bahouth, Ambassador, Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, to take the floor and to deliver a message from Rostam on behalf of the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboulgate.

Thank you very much, Madam Director General. Allow me to make the statement on behalf of Mr. Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, who is Secretary General of the League of Arab States, on this day of international solidarity with the Palestinian people. This year, we're celebrating this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people at a moment of very great distress. these are uncharted waters for Palestinian people, and we have stripped away the mask concealing the odious plans of Israel. We know that there is an attempt to eliminate Palestinian people from their homeland. These are people who are condemning the idea of a Palestinian state, and they want to bring about a forced expulsion, making the life of Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank impossible, and simply making their lives unsustainable. This is a plan in the face of a world which is keeping silent and that means that there is implication in this historic crime as a result of inaction and indifference before this horrendous vision these we this is a crime par excellence because there is in fact evidence that Some people are calling things that are happening by their name, and what is happening in Gaza is ethnic cleansing. This is a genocidal attempt aiming to entrench the Israeli occupation and is really trying to extend the state from the river to the sea. We must listen to the voices raised. There are people who've recognized the state of Palestine. These are states that recognize that peace and security can only exist if there is an independent Palestinian state on the borders of the 4th of June 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital. We have to ensure that there is a two-state solution. And this will give Palestinian people hope at this very serious time. We have also seen important decisions taken by certain states that have seized their export of arms to Israel and that have imposed sanctions on settlements and settlers. There are these sanctions could call an end to the occupation. We therefore commend the brave actions taken by the International Court of Justice or International Criminal Court that has issued arrest warrants against people who've committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. This is an important measure moving towards accountability and justice, and these are the pillars underpinning lasting peace. We welcome these measures, although they do not yet suffice to call a halt to the offensive and stop the genocide. We have arrived at this moment of truth after more than 400 days of blind slaughter. The advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, published in July 2024, says the occupation since 1967 by the Israeli powers is illegal and this is an occupation which should end as soon as possible. The General Assembly has also delivered an opinion on this advisory opinion. And It is up to states to decide whether they stand on the right or the wrong side of history. We call on the world to recognize this blinding truth. If the Israeli occupation continues, it will compromise the very credibility of the international system. As such, this occupation itself, but also its inhuman practices, its ongoing violations of international humanitarian law and international law, its disregard of the UN and its Secretary General will have an impact on the international system. The Arab-Israeli summit held in November 2024, amongst other things in its decisions and measures, called for mobilization globally to suspend Israel from the General Assembly. And it seems to us to be a logical step to take, given the threat to peace and security represented by the occupation. The occupying power has even violated Israel's own conditions of accession to the United Nations. We have seen the immoral actions taken by the Knesset recently. and banning UNRWA, despite the fact that its action and its presence is, in fact, a very lifeline for millions of Palestinians in those five places where UNRWA is present, and at a time when famine is sweeping through Gaza. It really is famine. To conclude, I wish to commend the Palestinian people I pay tribute to their resistance and resilience in the face of the machine of tyranny and oppression of Israel. We also commend everyone who's taken an honourable stance. We support the just cause of the Palestinians and also would like people in the global north and south to reflect, to respect the values of humanity, international values which promote solidarity and all of these actions demonstrate that the world has not entirely closed its eyes to what is happening. And this solidarity no doubt contributes to the resilience of Palestinian people and brings us closer to peace, peace of founded on peace and law will be stronger. May the peace of God be upon you.

To the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva to take the floor and deliver a message from the rostrum on behalf of his Excellency, Mr. Hissin Ibrahim Taha, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Allow me to begin by giving the statement from the Director General of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation on this Day of International Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Madam Director General, Tatiana Valova-Yam, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, at the outset, allow me to express the appreciation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to the United Nations and its various committees and bodies, especially the United Nations Committee on the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, I would like to express my thanks to Ambassador Sheikh Niyang and its distinguished members for their practical efforts to support the Palestinian cause and enhance international solidarity with the rights of the Palestinian people. We meet again on this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people. amidst the dangerous conditions witnessed in the occupied Palestinian territory, especially the Gaza Strip, as a result of the crimes of military aggression, genocide, starvation, siege, forced displacement, indiscriminate destruction, ethnic cleansing, colonial settlement, and organized terrorism committed by the Israeli occupation, as an extension of decades of injustice and oppression that constitute a setback to the values of freedom and justice and a flagrant violation of the principles of international law and United Nations resolutions. The OIC affirmed its position in this regard in the resolution issued by the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit held in Riyadh on the 11th of November 2024 regarding the continuation and expansion of this open Israeli aggression against Palestine and Lebanon, which threatens security and stability in the entire region. It renewed its call to the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to fully assume its responsibilities towards stopping this aggression wholly and immediately, as it is a war crime and a crime against humanity, and to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid and basic needs to the Gaza Strip, and provide international protection for the Palestinian people. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, These current developments in the Gaza Strip cannot be viewed in isolation from the organized terrorism and severe attacks committed by extremist settlers under the protection of the Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank, including the city of Al-Quds. In addition to the illegal Israeli measures to change its demographic composition and obliterate its Arab identity. We affirm from this rostrum that the illegal Israeli colonial occupation has no sovereignty over the city of Al-Quds and its holy sites, as it is an integral part of the Palestinian territory occupied in 1967 and the capital of the State of Palestine. While we warn against the attempts of the Israeli occupation authorities and extremist settler groups to undermine the historical and legal reality of Islamic sanctities, especially the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, we affirm that these acts constitute an attack on the established inalienable religious rights of Muslims around the world and represent a violation of freedom of worship and the sanctity of holy places. It is likely to fuel extremism, violence and racism, and endanger security and stability in the region and the world. We are also following with great concern the measures taken by the Israeli occupation and their targeting of the presence of UNRWA, which plays a vital role in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees and represents a witness to the international community's permanent commitment and responsibility towards their cause, as well as a pillar of regional peace and stability. On this occasion, we emphasize the need for the international community to stand by UNRWA and support it politically and financially. Ladies and gentlemen, excellencies, getting out of the current crisis requires the political will of the international community, states and organizations to transform our political positions into practical and effective measures to ensure the Israeli occupation's commitment to its duties in accordance with the international legitimacy resolutions, work to end the occupation and illegal settlement, providing international protection for the Palestinian people, to expand recognition of the state of Palestine and its right to full membership in the United Nations, and implement the two-state solution. Finally, the OIC renews its firm and absolute support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent state of Palestine on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on relevant UN resolutions, especially the recent General Assembly resolution on the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice and the Arab Peace Initiative. Thank you.

I thank Mr. Al-Mutairi for his statement. I now invite His Excellency Mr. Arthur Cafero Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Uganda to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, to take the floor and deliver a message from the rostrum on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, the NAM, in solidarity with the Palestinian people. For many years, the Non-Aligned Movement has maintained a firm position of solidarity with the Palestinian people and their just cause and the condemnation of massive, flagrant and systematic violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law committed by Israel, the illegal occupying power. The NAM condemns in the strongest terms the acts of aggression and collective punishment by Israel, the occupying power, against the Palestinian people, in grave breach of international law, including humanitarian and human rights law, including, inter alia, the killing and injury of tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians, including many children and women, in the Israeli military aggression that began in October 2023 against the besieged Gaza Strip. The NAM demands an end to the illegal occupation and siege. It demands an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid at scale to meet the dramatic needs of the population, as well as an immediate halt to the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians including any attempts by Israel, the illegal occupying power, to expel or deport them from their homeland, and a halt to all other illegal Israeli illegal occupying power policies and practices. We call upon all states, the United Nations and its specialized agencies and funds, as well as regional organizations, to respect the ICJ's advisory opinion on Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine. In the same spirit, We condemn the complicity of businesses that indirectly contribute to the illegal occupation and settler colonialism and demand broader accountability of all atrocities. On this International Day of Solidarity with Palestinians, we reaffirm the need for all to take active steps to ensure the full implementation of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the illegality of Israel's continued presence in the occupied Palestine and all relevant UN resolutions and call for the immediate end of the Israeli illegal occupation in line with the ACJ advisory opinion of 19th July 2024. Furthermore, we also call upon all states to comply with their obligations under international law, inter alia as reflected in the advisory opinion, and more specifically, we call for the respect of obligations to A, promote the realization of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. B, to recognize as illegal the situation arising from the unlawful presence of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory, not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the illegal situation. C, to undertake efforts towards bringing to an end systemic discrimination, including to prevent, prohibit and eradicate the violations by Israel of Article 3 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination identified in the advisory opinion. In conclusion, the NAM extends its full support to the Government of the State of Palestine in its ongoing efforts to put an end to the occupation of the land of the State of Palestine and realize the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. I thank you.

I thank Ambassador Kaphira for his statement. I now invite His Excellency Mr. Amr Abdel Latif Aboelata, Ambassador, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, to take the floor and to deliver a message from the rostrum on behalf of the African Union.

Your Excellencies, Director General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor to deliver the statement on behalf of the African Union Commission. One year exactly has gone since I last expressed to you from this very same podium, alongside with other speakers, the African Union deepest concern and disappointment about the continued attitude of the Israeli authorities of defying international law and the entire international community. This serious situation reached an unprecedented scale of suffering of the Palestinian people, moving from public punishment to extermination, with very rightly, which very rightly and finally triggered an arrest warrant against the current prime minister of Israel and his former minister of defense from the International Criminal Court. The ICC prosecutors explained that the judges of the International Criminal Court have found that there are reasonable grounds to believe that each has committed the war crime of using starvation as a method of warfare and crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts as a direct perpetrator, acting jointly with others. The Chamber also found reasonable grounds to believe that they are each responsible for the war crime of intentionally, directly attacks against civilians. The African Union would like to call all countries to abide by this warrant in order to bring to justice perpetrators of gross violation of human rights amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The African Union also would like to welcome the ceasefire concluded on last Wednesday concerning the Israeli war in Lebanon, which already made possible the return of thousands of returnees and the deployment of the Lebanese armies in the south of Lebanon. We therefore call upon all parties to abide by this agreement. The suffering caused is too heavy and the Lebanese population cannot afford more. We also call upon all parties that an immediate ceasefire is concluded in Gaza, where Israeli attacks reach an unbearable level and the tragedy is still going on on a daily basis. Excellencies, the question of Palestine remains unresolved after 75 years. The Palestinian question remains the core tension in the Middle East. Israel must realize that the only way to achieve peace is not the extermination of an entire population, but the two-state solution, when Israel will be able to exist side by side in peace with a viable and fully independent Palestinian state within internationally recognized parameters. I would also like to renew the African Union call to the international community to work tirelessly for the attainment of peace and provide strong humanitarian, economic, and political support to the just cause of the Palestinian people. In this context of the current ongoing crisis, I would like to echo the call of the chairperson of the African Union Commission that ends that an immediate and lasting cessation of hostilities will end the suffering of the Palestinian people, enable release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners and other nationals held hostage. A permanent ceasefire will also prompt the post-conflict reconstruction of Gaza. He also reaffirmed the full solidarity and unwavering support of the African Union to a two-state solution, with Israeli and Palestinian people living side by side in peace, within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and relevant EU and UN resolutions. The Assembly of the African Union reiterated in several occasions over the years its commitment to a peaceful political settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict in accordance with the principle of international law and all relevant United Nations resolutions calling for the establishment of a Palestinian state on the borders of the 4th of June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, on the basis of two-state solutions. Excellencies, this is where we stand more than 40 years after the proclamation of the International Day of Solidarity. with the Palestinian people in United Nations General Assembly Resolution 32/40B. We all need to keep in mind at all times and in all processes that the crisis of the occupied Palestinian territories cannot be reduced to what happens in the 7th of October 2023. and subsequent days. We must be aware of the root causes of the long-standing situation. It is only through a global and immediate political solution that we can come back to our humanity. We must act all together to enable an entire population to exercise a just and legitimate right to self-determination. Excellencies, let me conclude by reaffirming that we all should continue to believe in multilateralism and the genuine commitment of reasonable leaders and continue and countries to give full effect to international legality and to our most shared global vision, rejecting oppression and indifference to the misfortune of others. I thank you for your attention.

I thank Ambassador Aboelata for his statement. I now invite Ms. Yvonne Schrubach, Board Member of the World Young Women's Christian Association, to take the floor and deliver a message from the rostrum on behalf of the non-governmental organizations accredited to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

Thank you very much. It is my honor today to present to you a joint statement of the World YWCA and the YWCA of Palestine. On November 29th, the World YWCA and the YWCA of Palestine joined the global call to observe the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. This date also commemorates UN General Assembly Resolution 181, which envisioned two states, one for Jewish people and one for Arab Palestinians. Decades later, the issue of Palestine remains unresolved. Palestinians continue to fight for their inalienable rights, self-determination, sovereignty, the right to return to their homes, and the establishment of an independent state with secure borders. Despite countless UN resolutions, The crisis deepens with increasing displacement, home demolitions and land confiscations to expand illegal settlements. The International Day of Solidarity comes for the second year during one of the darkest and hardest chapters in the history of the Palestinian people. In Gaza, a suffocating siege has persisted for over two decades, plunging its people into poverty and despair. Since October 7, 2023, the genocide recognized by the International Court of Justice has led to devastating loss of life and displacement. The International Court of Justice concluded that it is plausible that Israel's actions in Gaza Strip could amount to genocide and issued provisional measures in which it ordered Israel to take measures to prevent any acts contrary to the 1948 Genocide Convention. Furthermore, on the 19th July 2024, the International Court of Justice reminded all states of their responsibilities. Its advisory opinion concluded that Israel's continued occupation of the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful and needs to end as soon as possible, including the cessation of any new settlement activities. Tens of thousands have been killed and wounded. and most of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been forcibly displaced with nowhere safe to go. Homes have been intentionally destroyed and vital infrastructures, schools, hospitals and places of worship have been reduced to rubble. Diseases and famine driven by severe deprivation of food, water and medication, are creating a humanitarian catastrophe, striking fear into the hearts of an exhausted population. This dire humanitarian crisis calls for immediate and decisive global action. A recent Israeli law banning UNW operation in occupied areas further exacerbates the plight of Palestinian refugees, cutting off essential services to those in desperate need. The International Court of Justice has reaffirmed that Israel's occupation of Palestine territories is unlawful and must end. urging states to act in line with the international law. This reality in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem urges the international community, including not only states but also non-state actors such as businesses, to do everything they can to implement all these resolutions to end the Israeli apartheid and occupation of the Palestinian territory. The World YWCA and the YWCA of Palestine call on the international community and policymakers to take immediate action to end the genocide in Gaza, protect civilians, and ensure unhindered humanitarian aid. To provide protection, housing, and the right for displaced Palestinians to return to their original homes. to support UNRWA in delivering vital services to Palestinian refugees, to end the Israeli occupation, hold Israel accountable for its human rights violations, and work towards a sustainable, sovereign Palestinian state. To pursue through mechanisms like the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice to ensure accountability, to seize military aid to Israel, and enforce economic measures to pressure compliance with international law. We urge the United Nations to enforce its resolutions on Palestine and compel governments to uphold Palestinians' economic, political, social, and cultural rights. the YWCA of Palestine and the World YWCA want to unequivocally emphasize that despite all these daunting realities and challenges, we uphold our hope and belief in the unwavering potential of youth and their active participation on local, national, and international levels to promote a just peace. Above all, we are devoted to instilling hope in their hearts and cultivating in them the core values essential to achieving freedom, justice, and peace for themselves, their communities, and the world at large. Today and every day, let us stand in solidarity with the aspirations of the Palestinian people to achieve their inalienable rights and support them to build a future of peace, justice, security, and dignity for all.

I thank Ms. Schuchbach for her statement. I now invite His Excellency Mr. Ibrahim Hraishy, Ambassador, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, to take the floor and deliver a message from the rostrum on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine.

Good afternoon to all of you. Director General, representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ambassador of Namibia, representative of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Ambassador of Sri Lanka or Sri Lanka, representative of the Committee on the Investigation into Israeli Crimes, representatives of political and geographical organizations, as well as civil society organizations. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to read the statement of His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Central Committee of the Organization of the PLO. Today we commemorate the memory of solidarity with the Palestinian people. The Palestinian people are subjected to genocide for more than 420 days, claiming the lives of 150,000 casualties, most of whom are women, children, and the elderly. killed and maimed by the Israeli occupying forces who are deliberately and systematically uh targeting civilians in a repetition of what happened in the Naka of 1948 and the tragedy of 1967 aimed at displacing our people and seizing their land and their resources an urgent International intervention is needed to stop this TR tragedy that is taking place under the nose of the world the community has declared that this International Day in support of the rights of our people foremost the right to self-determination and the independence of their state which necessitates taking practical and decisive steps to confront the dangers that are threatening millions of lives and the possibility of achieving a just and comprehensive peace based on international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative. It is now apparent to the entire world that the main reason for the lack of security and stability in the Middle East is the existence of this illegal occupation, which must be removed from the territory of the State of Palestine, including its capital, East Jerusalem, to ensure the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, particularly the right to self-determination, and to achieve a just and agreed-upon solution to the Palestinian refugee question in accordance with Resolution 194. Ladies and gentlemen, disregarding the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people over the last 76 years, And dealing with the occupying power as a state above international law, shielding it from accountability, thus providing it with impunity for its crimes, and even providing it with financial and military support, has emboldened it to defy the international legitimacy and international law and to persist in its aggression at every level. It has declared its rejection of the existence of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees, UNRWA, established by the General Assembly resolution, going so far as to consider it a terrorist organization. It has also rejected the decisions of international courts. and the most recent advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, ICJ, on the cessation of the aggression and ending the illegal occupation, as well as the court's binding provisional measures orders and the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court. It has even formally announced its readiness to implement the racial annexation and settlement expansion schemes in addition to other illegal Israeli policies and practices, including ongoing invasions of cities in the West Bank, killing and arresting innocent people, demolishing their homes, confiscating their land, building illegal settlements, and taking other unilateral steps aimed at consolidating the occupation and ensuring its continuation. All of this has caused significant harm to international law-based multilateral system and to its credibility, which has been shaken by the inability to stop the aggression despite images of massacred children that have shocked humanity, the latest of which was the biased use of veto at the UN Security Council to prevent a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and thus allow the aggression against our people to carry on. Until when the world will remain silent? unable to deter the occupying power from its crimes, hold it accountable and compel it to abide by international law like the rest of the countries of the world. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, a few days ago, we commemorated the anniversary of the declaration of independence, which was a most significant step reflecting our adherence to international legitimacy and international law. in which we affirmed our respect for United Nations resolutions in connection with the two-state solution as a way to achieve a just and comprehensive peace. The Palestinian Liberation Organization, the sole legitimate representative of our Palestinian people and the umbrella of all the Palestinians, has embodied the hopes and aspirations of our people for freedom and independence, stressing the need to eliminate the occupation from the entire Palestinian territory occupied in 1967, and to resist it through all political, legal, and diplomatic means, and by peaceful and nonviolent popular resistance. It has also stressed that no matter what the occupation does, it will not succeed in breaking the steadfastness of our people and their attachment to their land and their rights. always supported by the solidarity of the peoples of the world who will not allow the occupation's plans to liquidate the just cause of Palestine and to obliterate the legitimate rights of our people and will not allow the occupation to implement its annexation plans, apartheid, ethnic cleansing, and other policies that violate international legitimacy and international law. We stress the need to take practical steps to deter the occupation, including by suspending Israel's membership in the General Assembly due to its refusal to abide by international law and its obligations, and due to its insistence on completing its crimes against the Palestinian people. Such steps are required to restore confidence in the ability of the international order to hold accountable those who violate international agreements and international law and compel them to fulfill their obligations. we have consistently stressed that the only way to halt the dangerous escalation we are witnessing in the region and to maintain regional and international stability, security, and peace is to resolve the question of Palestine on the basis of international legitimacy resolutions and to immediately begin implementing Security Council Resolution 2735 to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to the entire Gaza Strip. Israel's full withdrawal from Gaza Strip and assumption of the state of Palestinian sovereign responsibilities and the return of the displaced persons to their homes. in preparation for the reconstruction of what has been destroyed by the occupation. At the same time, it is imperative to reject Israel's plans to separate Gaza from the West Bank, including Jerusalem, to diminish the state of Palestine's responsibility for it, to stop the settlement the killings, the settler terrorism, the attacks on the holy sites, and to stop the attempts to alter the legal status quo and historical realities in the holy city, as well as to stop the raids on cities, the extrajudicial killing, the arbitrary arrests and attacks on prisoners, and the withholding the bodies of martyrs and plundering the Palestinian people's money and resources, this illegal occupation in its entirety must be brought to an end. Despite all the difficulties we are facing today, we believe that no matter how brutal and horrific the occupation is, it will come to an end. We will continue to work to attain the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and freedom. and independence on their land, the land of their ancestors, and to realize the independence of their state with East Jerusalem as its capital. We are confident that the peoples of the world will continue to stand by the rights, justice, and freedom of Palestine and its people and that they will continue to work towards stopping the aggression. Allow me here to appreciate on in my capacity on behalf of the Palestinian people to appreciate all peoples of the world who have stood up and are still standing up to speak out against injustice and aggression demanding an end of this illegal and abhorrent occupation that has tarnished the face of history with blood, murder, deprivation of the rights, freedom, and independence of an entire people, demanding also an end to the genocide of our steadfast people in the Gaza Strip. They have affirmed that these dangerous circumstances require transforming these dangerous positions into actions through the positions of their governments and parliaments to support the steadfastness of our people on their land and maintain their hope for a firm international consensus to achieve peace and stability in accordance with international law. At the forefront of this consensus is the need to continue mobilization of international support to actualize or materialize the independence of the State of Palestine, to complete states' recognition of the State of Palestine, as well as obtaining its full membership of the United Nations. We must also commend the great efforts being made by the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, which held its first meeting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with broad participation from brothers and friends to implement this goal that we collectively pursue. Finally, I would like on this day to salute the resistance or the resilience of our Palestinian people in Palestine and in the refugee camps, as well as in the diaspora. And with pride and honor, I salute our brave martyrs, prisoners, and wounded people, and tell them that our unified goal is to end this illegal occupation, achieve freedom, and independence. Once again, I reiterate that occupation will come to an end, and Palestinian rights will prevail, no matter how long it takes. I thank you all for your participation, for your solidarity, and I would like to note that in cooperation with the Office and Committee on the Rights of the Palestinian People, organized an exhibition of photos taken by some photographers from Gaza Strip that reflect part of the painful reality in the Strip as a result of the genocide war against our people in the first floor. Thank you for your attention.

I thank Ambassador Croatia for his statement. I now have the pleasure to announce that messages of solidarity on this occasion have been received from the following heads of state or government: Brazil, Chile, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkey. In accordance with the usual practice, the United Nations Secretary-General's message, as well as a summary of the proceedings of today's ceremony, will be available as a press release. In addition, copies of statements delivered by the speakers and messages of solidarity will be available for consultation on the event registration platform Indico. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for your participation and for marking this occasion. I now declare this special meeting to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People closed.