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

The United Nations in Bahrain together with the Embassy of the State of Palestine in the Kingdom of Bahrain organized today in Manama an event marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed on 29 November.

“The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is an opportunity for the international community to recognize the fact that the question of Palestine remains unresolved and that the Palestinian people have not yet achieved their inalienable rights as defined by the General Assembly, namely: The right to self-determination, the right to independence and national sovereignty, and the right of return for refugees,” said the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Khaled El Mekwad. 

With regard to the situation in Gaza, the Resident Coordinator highlighted the plight of civilians, including those who have been killed, wounded, taken as hostages and caught in the conflict.

“The United Nations continues to call for the protection of civilians, including aid workers, medical personnel, journalists and UN staff, and for the cessation of the destruction and damage to hospitals and other civilian infrastructure, including UN buildings,” El Mekwad said. 

“No party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law, which cannot be applied selectively.”

El Mekwad highlighted the indispensable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). 

“The United Nations is determined to remain in Gaza to provide life-saving assistance, where UNRWA as the backbone of the humanitarian operation, remains indispensable,” he said. 

“The UN is deeply concerned by the targeting of UNRWA and the possibility of preventing it from continuing its essential work, as mandated by the United Nations General Assembly, in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem.” 

In his speech the, the Resident Coordinator highlighted the message of the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

“Every year on this day, the international community stands in solidarity for the dignity, rights, justice and self-determination of the Palestinian people,” said Mr Guterres, adding “this year’s commemoration is especially painful as those fundamental goals are as distant as they have ever been.”

“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.” 

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1977 to commemorate the adoption by the GA on the 29th of November 1947 of Resolution 181 (II) on the partition of Palestine.

Mr Hatem Abdulhameed Hatem, Chief of Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and HE Mr Taha Mohammed Abdul Qader, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Kingdom of Bahrain, also addressed the event, which was attended by representatives of the Government of Bahrain, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and the Civil Society.