International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (November 29)

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is a United Nations observance held every year on November 29. The UN uses the day to draw attention to the question of Palestine, which it describes as still unresolved, and to the rights of the Palestinian people as recognised in UN resolutions.

Why November 29?

On November 29, 1947, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 181 (II), which recommended dividing the British Mandate territory of Palestine into an Arab state and a Jewish state, with Jerusalem under a special international regime. The State of Israel was established in 1948; an Arab state as envisaged by the plan was not created. Thirty years later, in 1977, the General Assembly chose the anniversary of resolution 181 for this observance.

Key UN Milestones

How the Day Is Observed

• A special meeting of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People at UN Headquarters in New York.
• Statements by the UN Secretary-General and the Presidents of the General Assembly and Security Council.
• Meetings and events at UN offices in Geneva, Vienna and elsewhere.
• Cultural exhibitions and film screenings organised by UN offices and member states.

Understanding the Wider Context

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is one of the world’s longest-running and most sensitive disputes, and people hold strongly differing views on its history and solutions. The UN’s stated position supports a negotiated two-state solution, with Israel and a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security, based on relevant UN resolutions. Readers who want to understand the issue in depth are encouraged to consult a range of sources.

👉 Global observances: All international days

👉 Plan ahead: All November observances

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