November 29, 2025
Since 1978, 29 November has been observed as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. A date chosen because of its meaning and significance to the Palestinian people, based on the call by the United Nations General Assembly for an annual observance of the resolution on the ‘partition’ of Palestine in 1947. Today provides an opportunity for the international community to focus its attention on the ‘question’ of Palestine.
The ‘question’ is still unresolved, the Palestinian people have yet to attain their inalienable rights as defined by the UN General Assembly, namely, the right to self-determination without external interference, the right to national independence and sovereignty, and the right to return to their homes and property, from which they have been forcibly displaced. These rights seem even further away following the invasion and destruction of Gaza by Israel over the last two years.
I want to take this opportunity to build on the joint update from All We Can and the Methodist Church in Britain last June, and to call us to greater solidarity. Together we must work for a just and lasting peace.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. Widespread famine, malnutrition, displacement, destroyed infrastructure, lack of shelter, insufficient water and sanitation, collapsed healthcare — all combine into a life-threatening environment. Despite the ceasefire, violence has not stopped. There have been repeated Israeli airstrikes, artillery fire and shootings. In recent weeks, dozens of Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in what local authorities and media describe as ceasefire-violating strikes.
The illegal occupation of the West Bank continues unabated, including East Jerusalem, with Palestinians enduring unspeakable hardship amidst Israeli military operations, colonial settler violence, settlement expansion, evictions, and demolition.
We are, however, seeing small acts of solidarity. One of which was the UK Government’s recognition Palestinian Statehood. A small but significant step to keep alive the possibility of peace and a Two State Solution.
Recently the Archbishop of York hosted Church leaders and Church agencies to discuss our role in advancing a just and lasting peace. In his statement, Bishop Stephen was clear in describing Israeli action against Palestinians in Gaza as ‘genocidal acts’, and the West Bank as ‘subject to a regime of apartheid and ethnic cleansing’. This recognition is an important step in naming the realities faced by Palestinians and in inspiring bold acts of solidarity.
Importantly, Kairos Palestine, an ecumenical movement based in Palestine, have launched their renewed Kairos document: A Moment of Truth: Faith in a Time of Genocide, calling us to greater, more costly solidarity with the Palestinian people. Kairos Palestine are renewing their ‘stand for truth and commitment to fundamental religious, theological and moral principles. Looking at our reality and take a renewed stand, responding to the voice of the Holy Spirit deep within us, listening to the call of faith in this time of genocide. We renew our message of faith, hope, and love — offering a faith-inspired vision for the time after genocide’.
I believe, on this Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, we would do well to stand in solidarity with the call of the Kairos Palestine document.
What more can we do to show solidarity?
Advocate for the UK Government to:
• support the free flow of aid into Gaza
• end all arms sales to and military cooperation with Israel
• suspend the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement, and
• ban all trade and investment in companies profiting from the occupation
• uphold the findings of the International Court of Justice
Taking meaningful actions for peace in Palestine and Israel:
• continue to educate ourselves using the Churches Together in England resources
• boycott Israeli products and services and find out more about ethical investments – BDS Amos Trust
• pray for a just and lasting peace
• donate to support the critical work of local partners
