UN Egypt Resident Coordinator Participates in Arab League Event Commemorating International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

The UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova, participated in the Arab League's celebration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, organized by the General Secretariat of the Arab League. Panova delivered the UN Secretary-General's message on this occasion, in which he reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights to live in peace, security and dignity.

In her speech, Panova conveyed the message of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who noted that this year’s commemoration is especially painful as the fundamental goals of dignity, rights, justice and self-determination of the Palestinian people are as distant as they have ever been. 

The Secretary-General’s message, read by the UN's highest-ranking representative in Egypt, stated: “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.”

The Secretary-General also called for full support for life-saving humanitarian relief to the Palestinian people, specifically through the work of UNRWA, the agency that serves as an indispensable lifeline for millions of Palestinians.

In 1977, the General Assembly called for the annual observance of 29 November as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (resolution 32/40 B). On that day, in 1947, the Assembly adopted the resolution on the partition of Palestine (resolution 181 (II))

In resolution 60/37 of 1 December 2005, the Assembly requested the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and the Division for Palestinian Rights, as part of the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on 29 November, to continue to organize an annual exhibit on Palestinian rights or a cultural event in cooperation with the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the UN.

The resolution on the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People also encourages Member States to continue to give the widest support and publicity to the observance of the Day of Solidarity.