On November 27, 2024, the Yasser Arafat Foundation marked the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People at the Yasser Arafat Museum in Ramallah. Dr. Ahmad Soboh, Chairman of the Foundation, highlighted the significance of November 29th for Palestinians, noting that it marks key historical events: the UN Partition Plan (Resolution 181) in 1947, the establishment of the General Union of Palestinian Students in 1959, the adoption of the International Day of Solidarity in 1977, and Palestine's recognition as a non-member observer state in the UN in 2012.
Dr. Soboh emphasized that despite historical injustices and the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the day still represents the legal and political basis for the future establishment of an independent Palestinian state. He called for an end to the occupation to achieve this goal. He also welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon and stressed the need for national unity among Palestinians to achieve internal reconciliation.
The event, organized by the International Academic Campaign Against Israeli Occupation and Apartheid, was attended by members of the Palestine Liberation Organization's Executive Committee, Fatah's Central Committee, the Palestinian National Council, diplomatic representatives, and activists. Dr. Soboh also underlined the importance of strengthening the Palestinian Liberation Organization to maintain representation and defend Palestinian rights.
Several speakers, including Mahmoud Al-Aloul, Deputy Chairman of Fatah, and Morad Al-Sudani, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Writers and Authors Union, expressed solidarity and affirmed the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights. They also highlighted the global movements supporting Gaza and condemned the occupation's crimes.
Ramzi Ouda, Secretary-General of the Academic Campaign, spoke about the 120 martyrs from the campaign in Gaza and their efforts to document testimonies from the affected citizens. Tunisian Ambassador Habib Ben Farah condemned the occupation’s crimes in Gaza and called on the international community to intervene and stop the genocide, stressing the longstanding nature of the conflict.
Chinese Ambassador Zeng Jixin reaffirmed his country's support for Palestine, emphasizing the importance of a ceasefire, the implementation of international resolutions, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. He also supported Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations and aid to Palestinian refugees through UNRWA.
Mouayad Shaban from the Colonization & Wall Resistance Commission highlighted the ongoing suffering in Gaza and the forced displacement in the West Bank. Qasem Awad from the PLO spoke about the upcoming launch of the International Coalition to Defend Palestinian Rights. Issa Qaraqe, Head of the National Library, emphasized the power of writing as a tool for resistance, noting the sacrifices of intellectuals in Gaza.
Rifat Al-Sobh, Head of the Global Education Campaign, stressed the importance of confronting colonialism and securing Palestinian rights, while Abdullah Al-Zaghari, Head of the Prisoners’ Club, called for the international community to act on resolutions related to Palestinian rights and highlighted the ongoing suffering of Palestinian prisoners. Lastly, Habis Al-Shrouf, Director General of the Palestine Institute for National Security Studies, noted the role of academics in raising global awareness about Palestine’s cause.
The event included a tour of the Yasser Arafat Museum, discussions on international solidarity, and a recognition ceremony for academics, media professionals, and others who have contributed to advocating for Palestinian rights. The event concluded with the opening of an art exhibition and continued cooperation with the Ministry of Culture.
