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The plight of Palestinians was the focus of an event held yesterday to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People which is observed annually on November 29.
The event, organised by the UN Resident Co-ordinator’s Office and the Palestinian Embassy, at the Grand Swiss-Belhotel Waterfront, Seef, Bahrain, also featured screening of short videos on UN’s role in Palestine and the impact of the war on people in the Occupied Territories.
Delivering a statement on behalf of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian Ambassador Taha Abdel Qadir, stressed the importance of an immediate ceasefire.
“Our people have endured more than 400 days of war, which has led to more than 150,000 casualties, majority of them being children, women and the elderly,” he said.
“An urgent international intervention is needed to stop this tragedy that is taking place before the eyes of the world.
“The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was declared in support of the rights of our people, their right to self-determination and an independent state, based on international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.”
In 1977, the UN General Assembly called for the day to be observed annually on November 29.
The date was chosen because of its meaning and significance to the Palestinian people, due to the Partition Resolution, which was adopted on the day in 1947.
The day traditionally provides an opportunity for the international community to focus its attention on the Palestinian issue and the Palestinian people. Mr Abdel Qadir also highlighted Bahrain’s role and support of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
“The kingdom’s support for the UNRWA has been crucial, both politically and financially,” he said.
“Recently, the kingdom, through the Royal Humanitarian Foundation, donated $3 million to the agency.
“The unresolved question of Palestine has negative regional and international implications, including the ongoing dangerous escalation in the Middle East, causing immense human suffering.”
Meanwhile, UN Resident Co-ordinator Khaled El Mekwad stated that the Palestinians are going through the darkest of times.
Mr El Mekwad
“Every year on this day, the community stands for the dignity and self-determination of the Palestinian people,” he said.
“This year is especially painful as those fundamental goals are distant as they have ever been.
“Today, we have surpassed a year of devastating conflict, and still there is no safe place for the people of Gaza.”
Mr El Mekwad also affirmed that the UN was determined to remain in Gaza to provide life-saving assistance.
“A total of 2.1m Palestinians are in the middle of an epic humanitarian catastrophe where the entire population has been virtually displaced.
“The UN continues to call for the protection of civilians, including aid workers, medical personnel, journalists and staff.
“It is past time for an immediate ceasefire and unconditional release of all hostages, and in line with international law, to end the unlawful occupation of the Palestinian territories and make irreversible progress towards a two-state solution.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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