In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly called for the observance of November 29 as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
This is the second year that the day was being observed under the shadow of Israel’s devastating onslaught on Gaza ongoing for more than 13 months.
In retaliation to Hamas’s Oct 7, 2023 attacks, Israel’s military offensive has killed more than 44,300 Palestinians and injured nearly 105,000 — with the death toll feared to be much higher due to thousands under the rubble.
President Zardari strongly condemned unabated Israel’s aggression in Gaza and demanded an end to the “genocide of Palestinian people”.
“The global conscience cannot ignore the plight of millions who face unprecedented hardships due to Israeli occupation. We believe that the continued occupation and disregard for international law is the biggest obstacle to achieving peace in the region,” he said, according to APP.
“We stand in solidarity with the resilient people of Palestine in their rightful struggle for freedom, dignity, and justice,” the president asserted.
Zardari highlighted that over the past year, Israeli actions were in “blatant violation” of international humanitarian law, stating: “Let this day serve as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to ensure justice and equality for the Palestinian people.
“Pakistan stands resolute in its support for Palestine and remains committed to supporting the inalienable rights of the Palestinians to self-determination.”
In his message, PM Shehbaz said Palestinians had been “bravely enduring a campaign of unending genocidal violence”.
He noted that Israel has so far claimed the lives of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza.
On the occasion, UN Chief Antonio Guterres also expressed his support for the Palestinian people.
“The UN will continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights to live in peace, security and dignity,” he stated in a post on X.
