On International Day of Solidarity, UN chief urges commitment to Palestinian people

In a message marking the occasion, the UN chief cautioned that prospects for a viable two-State solution are becoming “more distant,” urging Israeli and Palestinian leaders to explore every opening to “restore hope” for that solution.

“A host of factors continue to cause great misery, including the expansion of illegal settlements, a significant spike in the demolition of Palestinian homes and structures, violence and continued militant activity,” said Guterres.

“Israeli and Palestinian leaders have a responsibility to explore every opening to restore hope and achieve a two-State solution.”

The UN chief said that he remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict and end the occupation in line with relevant UN resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements in pursuit of the vision of two States – Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous and sovereign Palestine – living side by side in peace and security, within secure and recognized borders, on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.

“Let us together resolve to renew our commitment to the Palestinian people in their quest to achieve their inalienable rights and build a future of peace, dignity, justice and security,” added the Secretary-General. 

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is observed each year on 29 November. Established in 1977, it marks the day in 1947 when the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution partitioning Palestine into an Arab State and a so-called 'Jewish State'.