Palestine marks 50th Land Day anniversary, reiterates rights to self-determination, independence

KUALA LUMPUR - The Palestinian Foreign and Expatriates Ministry has reaffirmed the inalienable rights of its people to self-determination, independence and the right of return for Palestinian refugees, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Land Day.

The ministry said the anniversary, observed annually on March 30, stands as a defining national milestsone in the Palestinian struggle and an enduring symbol of the steadfast attachment of its people to their land and legitimate national rights.

"It reflects the unity of the Palestinian people in confronting colonial occupation policies and ongoing schemes aimed at confiscating land, displacing its indigenous population and erasing their historical and national presence,” the ministry said in a statement on Monday.

The ministry affirmed that Land Day remains as a symbol that the land is the core of the Palestinian struggle and the foundation of national unity, until the end of the occupation and the realisation of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

It said that Israel continues to impose a system of racial discrimination and apartheid against the Palestinian people, as well as continues its colonial settlement expansion at an accelerating pace, including land confiscation, expansion of settlements and restrictions on construction and planning.

"These practices deepen its control over Palestinian land and entrench a colonial apartheid system, in flagrant violation of international law, relevant International Court of Justice advisory opinions, international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions," it said further reiterating that Israel has no sovereignty over any part of Palestine’s territory, including Jerusalem.

The ministry noted that this anniversary comes amid a dangerous escalation of occupation practices across the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including policies of annexation, Judaisation, ethnic cleansing and forced displacement, which undermine the prospects for peace and threaten regional stability and security.

The ministry also renewed its call on the international community, the United Nations Security Council and all international actors to assume legal and moral responsibilities, reject double standards and make concrete and effective measures to stop the crimes of the occupation and settlement expansion.

It further called for the provision of international protection for the Palestinian people, accountability for Israel as the occupying power for its ongoing violations and serious efforts to achieve Palestinian rights and end the Israeli occupation of the territory of the State of Palestine. - BERNAMA