Arshad Mahmood Awan

For over seventy years, the people of occupied Palestine have been steadfast in their quest for freedom and justice, enduring immeasurable suffering at the hands of Israeli forces. This enduring struggle, which has seen countless bloodshed and suffering, is part of a larger narrative of colonial oppression. Yet, despite the violent campaigns aimed at eradicating their existence and silencing their calls for liberation, Palestinians have remained resilient. The genocidal campaign unfolding in Gaza today represents the latest chapter in Israel’s relentless pursuit to crush Palestinian resistance, but it is also a testament to the unwavering spirit of a people determined to reclaim their land, their rights, and their dignity.

In recognition of this ongoing struggle, the United Nations General Assembly, in 1977, designated November 29th as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. This date holds significant historical importance, as it marks the adoption of Resolution 181 (II) by the UNGA in 1947, which laid the groundwork for the partition of Mandatory Palestine. While this resolution resulted in the Nakba, the catastrophic displacement and dispossession of the Palestinian people, the international community, through this annual observance, acknowledges and expresses its solidarity with Palestine. It is an affirmation that the global struggle for justice and the rights of Palestinians is far from over.

Global solidarity with Palestine is not a recent phenomenon. It has deep roots in the history of colonialism and oppression, as the Palestinian cause resonates with people across the globe, particularly those who have experienced or witnessed struggles against imperialism and occupation. From the global south to the north, Palestinians’ fight for their land and dignity is seen as a reflection of the broader struggles of oppressed peoples worldwide. The narrative of Palestine, in which a weakened and colonized people fight to regain their homeland and their humanity against a powerful and well-equipped adversary, mirrors the stories of countless nations that have fought for independence from colonial powers. Palestine is seen not only as the last colonial settler state on earth but also as the continuing battle of indigenous peoples against foreign occupation and erasure.

Indeed, many of the world’s oppressed peoples see the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a symbol of their own struggles. Palestine’s resistance resonates with those who have faced similar battles against imperial powers or who continue to fight for freedom and dignity. This shared experience has garnered widespread international support for the Palestinian cause. Solidarity actions across the globe—whether through protests, campaigns, or grassroots mobilization—reflect a collective recognition of the justice of Palestine’s fight. The words of Nelson Mandela, a towering figure in the global struggle for freedom, ring true: “Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.” Such sentiments echo not only in the halls of international diplomacy but also in the streets of cities across the world, where people of all walks of life stand in solidarity with Palestine, even when they have no direct religious, cultural, or geographic ties to the region.

One of the most significant sources of support for Palestine comes from the Muslim world, where religious, historical, and cultural ties to the land and the people of Palestine run deep. While some Muslim governments may be hesitant to fully embrace the Palestinian struggle, the vast majority of Muslims, including in countries like Pakistan, view the Palestinian cause as one of religious and moral imperative. The Palestinian struggle is viewed as a sacred duty, and the plight of Palestinians is often seen through the lens of Islamic solidarity. The Palestinian people’s fight is not only for political liberation but also for the protection of sacred sites like the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, one of Islam’s holiest places.

The threat to Al Aqsa and the broader destruction of Palestinian culture, heritage, and rights has only intensified in recent years, particularly with the rise of extremist elements within Israel’s government. These forces have sought to escalate tensions and provoke religious conflict, attempting to frame the Palestinian struggle as one of religious warfare. However, this framing does a disservice to the reality of the situation. The Palestinian struggle is fundamentally about human rights and self-determination, not religion. Nevertheless, the attempt to desecrate Al Aqsa Mosque and provoke sectarian conflict has only deepened the sense of urgency for Muslims around the world to stand in solidarity with Palestine.

The ongoing violence in Gaza, particularly the repeated bombings and massacres carried out by Israeli forces, has led many to view the situation as nothing short of genocide. The scale of destruction, the loss of innocent lives, and the systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure all point to the fact that Israel’s actions go far beyond mere self-defense or military retaliation—they are part of a broader campaign of ethnic cleansing aimed at eliminating the Palestinian presence from Gaza and the wider region. The Israeli government’s actions are being condemned worldwide as a gross violation of human rights, and there are increasing calls for accountability and justice.

The international community, which has long been complicit in enabling Israel’s actions through military support and political backing, is beginning to see the true nature of the occupation. The defense of Israel, often framed as a response to terrorism, is increasingly being exposed as an unjustifiable excuse for the mass murder of Palestinians. The massacre in Gaza cannot be defended on any moral or legal grounds. It is an attempt to erase an entire people and their claim to the land that is rightfully theirs. As such, the world is rightly calling it what it is: a genocidal campaign of ethnic cleansing. While the suffering of the Palestinian people is difficult to watch, it is hoped that their pain will not be in vain and that their struggle will eventually lead to a day when all Palestinians—regardless of faith—will be able to return to their homeland and live in peace and freedom.

The tragedy of Gaza and the larger Palestinian struggle is one that should stir the conscience of all people of goodwill. It is not just a conflict between two peoples; it is a battle for justice, human rights, and the preservation of humanity. The international community, particularly the global south, has long recognized the legitimacy of the Palestinian cause, and it is high time that the international powers—especially those that have long been Israel’s allies—acknowledge the injustices that are being perpetuated and take action to hold Israel accountable.

In conclusion, the Palestinian people’s fight for freedom and justice is not just a regional issue—it is a global cause. The struggle for Palestine represents the collective struggle of all oppressed peoples to reclaim their dignity and their right to self-determination. The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People serves as a reminder that, despite the overwhelming odds, the Palestinian spirit remains unbroken. It is a call to action for the world to stand with Palestine in its fight for liberation and justice. As the world watches Gaza suffer, the hope remains that one day, Palestinians will return to their ancestral homeland, where they can live in peace and freedom, free from occupation and oppression.