International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People – November 29th 2011

As we approach the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian people on November 29^th, we reflect on the current situation in Palestine and what needs to be done to achieve peace in the Middle East. While the world commemorates this day and show support for the Palestinian people with special events, meetings and vigils, Israel continues to defy the international community by granting new approvals for expanding settlements in the occupied territory.

The so called “peace process” has once again reached a cul-de-sac after the recent construction of hundreds of units, which seriously damages the credibility of the negotiations, and increases the mass despair in the region. 

To commemorate this day, the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of the UN stated: "An overwhelming international consensus exists on the need to end the ‎occupation that began in 1967, address the fundamental security concerns of both parties, ‎find a solution to the refugee issue and see Jerusalem emerge from negotiation as the ‎capital of two States”. With respect to Ban Ki-moon’s statement, PWWSD believes that resolving the roots of the conflict relies on resolving the issue of the Palestinian refugees, by applying the UNSCR 194 and 181.  Mr. Ban Ki-moon has to take the necessary measures to force the Israeli government to abide by the International Law, and to be held countable for its regional and international responsibilities. Therefore Mr. Ki-moon, should have addressed the issues needed to be resolved, in order to prevail respect for the UN charter, and achieve international peace and security.

Based on international Humanitarian Law and conventions regarding a possible solution for the Israeli – Arab conflict, the Palestinian president Mr. Abbas addressed the UN Security Council this September to apply for full membership of Palestine in the UN. However, the proposal was rejected in the Security Council as a result of deficiency in votes due to pressure from the American-Israeli lobby.

Palestinians continue to struggle against the Israeli Occupation. PWWSD persists to cross all physical and mental borders that were enforced upon us by the occupation, in order to obtain our Palestinian self-determination and build our independent sovereignty. As an essential player of the national social and political arena, the Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development aims to build a free democratic Palestinian society, which is based on social justice and gender equality. In order to facilitate a broad civil development, PWWSD is committed to spreading awareness among both men and women on issues relating to human rights and gender issues.

PWWSD recognizes that there can be no just and sustainable peace without the involvement and support from the international community. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to our international friends and partners, and encourage you all to participate in such public observance, for justice and peace in the Middle East, and the entire world