The UN in Bahrain marks the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

The United Nations Country Team in Bahrain co-organized an event with the Palestinian Embassy at the Kingdom of Bahrain on 29 November to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

In his speech, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain Khaled El Mekwad remarked that this year, the anniversary comes during one of the darkest chapters in the history of the Palestinian people. He drew attention to the appalling toll on civilians brought by the seven weeks of hostilities in Israel and Gaza.

El Mekwad reiterated the UN Secretary-General’s call for a humanitarian ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, adding that the truce observed for the past days has allowed the UN to scale up the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza to meet the enormous needs of the population.

A photo exhibit entitled “Palestine – a Land with a People,” concurrently launched at UN Headquarters in New York, was held at the sidelines of the event. The exhibit commemorates the Palestinian Nakba (catastrophe) and showcases photographs and art depicting different episodes in the Palestinian journey before, during, and after the Nakba. It serves as a reminder that close to 6 million Palestinians remain refugees to this day.

The event was attended by several ambassadors, diplomats, officials, and Palestinians residing in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The General Assembly called for the annual observance of 29 November as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People since 1977 through resolution 32/40 B.