Remarks by H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly 

at the Commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

[As Delivered] 

29 November 2023 

His Excellency Ahmad Faisal Muhammad, Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People,

 

Her Excellency Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General,

 

His Excellency Zhang Jun President of the Security Council,

 

His Excellency Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine,

 

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Esteemed Guests,

 

Today, we convoke here in New York, and in Geneva, Nairobi, as well as other places around the world, to observe the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People – an annual commemoration that reflects our steadfast commitment to unify around the cause of Palestine.

 

This year, we mark this occasion against the unfortunate backdrop of a sombre horizon – tinged by the extant constrains for Peace, and recognizing the profound challenges faced by the people of the State of Palestine.

 

Challenges that have persisted for too long – despite decades of successive UN resolutions and countless diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting solution.

 

Indeed – seventy-five years ago – the situation in the Middle East marked the first significant crisis for the newly established United Nations.

 

The situation not only remains unresolved, but it is deteriorating before our very eyes at an alarming rate – with innocent civilians, especially women, children, and the elderly, bearing the brunt of drawn-out violence, deprivation, and uncertainty.

 

Therefore, today, we are therefore here to stand in firm solidarity with the Palestinian people, commemorating this Day, albeit with heavy hearts, for the lives lost—both in the past seven weeks, and over the past seven decades.

 

Our deepest condolences go to the families who have lost relatives in this grievous conflict.

 

Excellencies,

 

The Palestinian people – particularly those in the Gaza Strip and all affected areas – live in extremely complex humanitarian conditions that demand both our attention and our immediate action.

 

Let us be crystal clear: the Palestinian people – as all human beings – are entitled to their fundamental and inalienable right to live in dignity, with all liberties; freedom of movement; freedom from fear and from any want; and with unfettered access to basic services.

 

It is, therefore, imperative that we restore and sustain their hope – especially among the younger generations that have never experienced what Peace looks or feels like.

 

By doing so, we will have fulfilled our duty of care – in reaffirming the fundamental principle that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

 

Thus, upholding these basic tenets is key to fostering a just, sustainable, and peaceful future for all Palestinian people.

 

But, for us to ensure that every Palestinian sees these inalienable rights as realised and respected, first and foremost we need permanent peace in the Middle East.

Second, we need to re-engage in dialogue, in good faith, building trust – while adhering to the relevant UN resolutions and international instruments.

We know much too well that insecurity and violence thrive in an atmosphere of tragedy and despair.

 

That violence begets violence.

 

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

 

As we reiterate the General Assembly’s undiminished call for Peace, we too must advocate for open channels of communication – accompanied by robust support from the international community – leading to the two-State solution, as the only viable option for lasting Peace in the Middle East.

 

With this, I welcome the ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions – and I support all efforts to mobilize UN capacities to implement this truce and maximize its positive impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

 

These days of respite from hostilities must be optimised to alleviate the dire needs of Palestinians – allowing them to mourn their dead, to have unhindered access to food and water as well as other urgently needed services.     

In the past weeks, I have been very clear on the most critically needed steps now – to bring an end to violence and needless suffering.

 

Ultimately, our role is to devise and to encourage and press for implementation of long-term solutions.

 

We – the United Nations – cannot lose sight of one of the ultimate and primary goals that brought our Organisation into being: Peace for all.

Let me repeat that – Peace for all.

 

I therefore appeal, in earnest, to the international community to leverage its power to seek compromise, direct dialogue, while fostering trust and good-faith negotiations in the Middle East.

 

The General Assembly has expressed itself on the current the situation. Let us implement the Peace it has repeatedly called for.

 

Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,

 

In closing, once again, let me express my deep appreciation to the dedicated UNRWA staff and other humanitarian workers – who are working tirelessly to save lives in grave and untenable conditions – and extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the pursuit of this noble cause.

 

In our reflection today, let us remember the words of Palestinian author and lawyer, Raja Shehadeh, that, and I quote:

 

“In the pursuit of Peace, we must recognize the shared aspirations for security and dignity that bind Israelis and Palestinians. It’s a journey that demands mutual respect and acknowledgment of each other’s narratives.” 

 

Together, let us strive for a future where the aspirations of the Palestinian people are realized – within the framework of justice, equality, and the respect of their inalienable rights as human beings no different from others.

 

I express my gratitude to you all. Let us be stand united, in these difficult times.

I thank you.