The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is organised each  year  on  November  29  recognising the need_for the greatest possible dissemination of  information on  the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people  and  on the efforts of the international community to promote attainment of  these  rights. The celebration attracts and focuses world attention on the struggle of the Palestinian people and demonstrates international solidarity  with  their  cause.

The Palestinian people  are  inheritors of one of the world's oldest civilisations. In fact, the name Palestine derives from 'Philistines' - one of the three peoples that inhabited the ancient  land  of  Canaan more  than  4,000  years  ago. However, beginning  in the last quarter  of the 19th century, due to the direct collusion between the forces of imperialism and zionism, a concerted attempt was made  to carve out a Jewish State from Palestinian territory. This culminated in the formation of Israel on May 15, 1948.

Since the days of our freedom struggle, India has had strong emotional ties with the Palestinian people. After independence, India has, on innumerable occasions, denounced the denial of the inalienable rights of the  Palestinian  people in many forums, including the United Nations and campaigned for their  cause. In 1980, India accorded diplomatic status to the Palestine Liberation Organisation which is the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. In 1980 also, the Chairman of the PLO, Mr. Yaser Arafat, visited India. In supporting the Palestinian struggle, India stands tied  to the principles and ideals which have been the vital part of our own ethos.

The Palestinians are now a people in exile. But they  are by  no means  bereft of hope. Under the leadership of  the PLO; they are firm in their resolve to recover their legitimate and inalienable rights. The fulfillment of their aspirations is only a matter of time.

Indian P & T Department  is privileged to issue a special stamp on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian  People.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India